Second language learners' performance in mathematics: Disentangling the effects of academic language features

Publikation: Beiträge in ZeitschriftenZeitschriftenaufsätzeForschungbegutachtet

Authors

  • Nicole Haag
  • Birgit Heppt
  • Petra Stanat
  • Poldi Kuhl
  • Hans Anand Pant
Several studies have shown that the linguistic complexity of items in achievement tests may cause performance disadvantages for second language learners. However, the relative contributions of specific features of linguistic complexity to this disadvantage are largely unclear. Based on the theoretical concept of academic language, we used data from a state-wide test in mathematics for third graders in Berlin, Germany, to determine the interrelationships among several academic language features of test items and their relative effects on differential item functioning (DIF) against second language learners. Academic language features were significantly correlated with each other and with DIF. While we found text length, general academic vocabulary, and number of noun phrases to be unique predictors of DIF, substantial proportions of the variance in DIF were explained by confounded combinations of several academic language features. Specialised mathematical vocabulary was neither related to DIF nor to the other academic language features. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.
OriginalspracheEnglisch
ZeitschriftLearning and Instruction
Jahrgang28
Seiten (von - bis)24-34
Anzahl der Seiten11
ISSN0959-4752
DOIs
PublikationsstatusErschienen - 01.12.2013
Extern publiziertJa

DOI

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