Assessing the efficacy of language learning software for K-12 English learners
Assessing the efficacy of language learning software for K-12 English learners
The Second Language Acquisition Program presents an invited research talk by Nick Pandža, who is a Senior Faculty Research Specialist at the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) and a soon-to-be PhD of the SLA program.
His work has primarily focused on the impact of individual differences on language learning outcomes using advanced statistical methods with behavioral, physiological, and neurocognitive data, and he has been a key contributor to the development and validation of tests assessing aptitude and proficiency in various domains.
Abstract: English learners (ELs) in K–12 schools must acquire English while simultaneously mastering content knowledge. Educational technology may support students’ learning through the affordance of individualized language practice. Results will be presented from both a quasi-experimental design and a randomized-controlled trial to show the efficacy of Rosetta Stone Foundations software on English learning among elementary and middle school ELs. The studies took place in an urban U.S. school district. Predictors of interest included time of testing (pretest vs. posttest) and software usage, and covariates included grade level, sex, and attendance. Additionally, socioeconomic status and home language were accounted for due to sample homogeneity. Multilevel models indicated that treatment group students showed larger gains than control group students on oral/aural outcomes. These results indicate that the software intervention enables individualized practice that can produce proficiency-related gains over and above the typical classroom curriculum.
Suggested reading: Harper, D., Bowles, A. R., Amer, L., Pandža, N. B., & Linck, J. A. (2021). Improving Outcomes for English Learners Through Technology: A Randomized Controlled Trial. AERA Open, 7, 1-20.
If you are interested in joining, please email Tetiana Tytko at ttytko@umd.edu.