Ideal Early Foreign Language Learning for a Child in Primary School from the Parents' Perspectives

Description

Abstract (English)

Parents play an essential role in pupils' foreign language learning (FLL). Their views on optimizing this process are therefore significant. For this reason, this study investigates how parents view ideal early FLL for their primary school-aged children. A total of 17 international students in the course "Research in Early Language Learning", spring 2022, researched to answer the question: “What makes early foreign language learning ideal for a child in primary school from parents’ perspectives?”. The interview questions were designed based on the research question and translated into the mother tongue of the interviewees, 42 parents from 11 countries. Due to the distance and the pandemic, online interviews with open-ended questions were conducted to collect the data. To maintain the accuracy of the data, it was transcribed in the native languages, and the relevant transcribed extracts were translated into English for data analysis, which was conducted following the principles and practices of content analysis. The findings show that parents had a positive attitude toward more FLL opportunities at the primary level or integrating it into other subjects. They prioritized an enjoyable way of FLL through games, rhymes, and stories. They also indicated that a safe learning environment, emotional support, and close teacher-pupil relationships could make FLL comfortable for their children. They desired more extracurricular language activities, including drama, movies, and camping, as the best support from schools and teachers. Attractive materials and tools, such as audio-visual aids, were also wished for ideal early FLL.