Second language learners' performance in mathematics: Disentangling the effects of academic language features
Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
Authors
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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Learning and Instruction |
| Volume | 28 |
| Pages (from-to) | 24-34 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| ISSN | 0959-4752 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 01.12.2013 |
| Externally published | Yes |
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Education
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Academic language, Differential item functioning, Educational measurement, Second language learners, Test validity and fairness
- Empirical education research
- Educational science