ERIC Number: EJ1051910
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1543-4303
EISSN: N/A
Using Lexical Profiling Tools to Investigate Children's Written Vocabulary in Grade 3: An Exploratory Study
Roessingh, Hetty; Elgie, Susan; Kover, Pat
Language Assessment Quarterly, v12 n1 p67-86 2015
Research in the study of students' writing concludes that vocabulary use is a key variable in determining the holistic quality of the writing. In the present study, 77 writing samples from a mixed group of Grade 3 children were analyzed for features of linguistic diversity using public domain vocabulary-profiling software. The writing was also evaluated holistically on a trait-based rubric. Data analysis identified the salient features of linguistic diversity correlating to quality standards of writing; the key is "lexical stretch" or use of low-frequency and "off-list known" words. Implications for assessment include the potential to identify children in need of vocabulary enrichment at an early stage in the educational trajectory and to track their evolving vocabulary growth in the shape of their lexical profile over time.
Descriptors: Writing (Composition), Vocabulary, Grade 3, Elementary School Students, Language Skills, Computer Software, Vocabulary Development, Statistical Analysis, Correlation, Qualitative Research, Responses, Prompting, Scoring Rubrics, Foreign Countries, Oral Language, Profiles, Student Evaluation
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 3; Primary Education; Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A