The Development of German Language Skills of Young Refugees in Germany

• In Event: 15.060 - MTCC Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: 15.060-8 - Multiple Perspectives on Structural and Cultural Inequalities Across International Contexts

Abstract

In longitudinal section, the interdisciplinary study analyzes the integration of 635 young refugees in 60 training classes in 22 vocational schools in Germany into education, work, and society. The presentation focuses on the development of German language skills and associated individual and school prerequisites. Controlled for cognitive ability, Syrian refugees reach higher test scores than refugees from other countries. At class level, a multiple linear regression shows significant effects of the cognitive ability and the years of schooling in the country of origin on the test score. Heterogeneity concerning country of origin, age, number of male students in class, and class size are not significant. The longitudinal development of German language skills and corresponding effects will be presented at AERA.

Authors

• Elisabeth Maué, University of Konstanz

• Stephan Schumann, University of Konstanz

• Claudia Diehl, University of Konstanz