Measuring Second Language Learning Across Contexts: An Ecological Approach

• In Event: Second Language Learning, Instruction, and Pedagogical Issues

Abstract

To explore the relationships across home, school, peer, and community learning contexts, we created a scale to measure students’ perceptions of their own English language learning. We administered the ELLAS—English Language Learning and Academic Success scale to 269 ethnically diverse urban high school students in California. In addition to sequential factor analyses, we conducted Multidimensional Scaling to create a visual representation of the distances between scale items in three-dimensional space. Findings reveal a disconnect between the various settings. We discuss these findings in relation to the need for innovative, rigorous approaches to studying sociocultural learning and the need for schools and communities to work together to provide support structures for English language learners.

Authors

• Noah Borrero, University of San Francisco

• Christine Jean Yeh, University of San Francisco