ERIC Number: EJ1172507
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1040-9289
EISSN: N/A
Teacher Language in the Preschool Classroom: Initial Validation of a Classroom Environment Observation Tool
Phillips, Beth M.; Zhao, Yuting; Weekley, M. Jane
Early Education and Development, v29 n3 p379-397 2018
Research Findings: This study reports initial descriptive and validity results of a new early childhood classroom observation measure, the Classroom Language Environment Observation Scales (CLEOS), designed to capture teachers' use of both implicit language supports (e.g., incidental scaffolding and shared reading) and more explicit language instruction (e.g., direct vocabulary instruction). Classrooms (n = 122) serving at-risk 3- to 5-year-old children and representing child care, Head Start, and public prekindergarten were observed; a subgroup was also observed with the Teacher Behavior Rating Scale (TBRS), a well-validated tool. Results indicated limited use of most language support strategies, particularly those that were more explicit. Concurrent validity for the CLEOS was supported via significant correlations with TBRS subscales. Greater use of higher quality linguistic input was significantly associated with teachers' years of experience but not with their education level. Findings supported the differential inclusion of linguistic input across settings, with large-group circle time being the most frequent setting for explicit instructional input and centers being the most frequent setting for incidental supports. Practice or Policy: Study results suggest a need to improve professional development and preservice training for preschool teachers related to supporting rich language interactions and explicit language and vocabulary instruction within classrooms.
Descriptors: Teacher Student Relationship, Correlation, Linguistic Input, Language Usage, Teaching Experience, Validity, Classroom Observation Techniques, Preschool Education, Teaching Methods, At Risk Students, Preschool Children, Preschool Teachers, Disadvantaged Youth, Rating Scales, Faculty Development, Vocabulary Development, Language Skills, Statistical Analysis
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED); Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) (NIH)
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305A080476; P50HD055212010