Human Ecology Research

The Korean Home Economics Association (대한가정학회)
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Effects of Education and Mothers' Perceptions regarding English Education on Preschoolers' Interests in Learning English: A Comparison between General Kindergartens and English Immersion Institutes

기관 내외 교육과 어머니의 영어교육 신념이 유아의 영어 흥미에 미치는 영향: 일반유치원과 영어학원 유치부의 비교

  • Choi, Naya (Department of Child Development and Family Studies, Seoul National University) ;
  • Park, You-Me (Department of Child Development and Family Studies, Seoul National University) ;
  • Choi, Jisu (Department of Child Development and Family Studies, Seoul National University)
  • 최나야 (서울대학교 아동가족학과) ;
  • 박유미 (서울대학교 아동가족학과) ;
  • 최지수 (서울대학교 아동가족학과)
  • Received : 2019.10.01
  • Accepted : 2020.10.22
  • Published : 2020.11.30
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Abstract

This study investigated children's interests in learning English, affected by educational activities in and out of institutes, and mothers' perceptions regarding early childhood English education. We recruited, 253 mothers of 3- to 5-year-old children in either general kindergartens or English immersion institutes. They answered questions on socioeconomic status, perceived interest in English by their children, their perceptions regarding early childhood English education, and English education outside institutes. In addition, 42 English teachers provided information within institutes such as class time per week, teacher-pupil rate, and language use policy during class. The collected data were analyzed through SPSS 22 for frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The major findings are as follows. First, the two groups were in distinct learning environment. Second, mothers' perceptions and outside-institute activities were significantly different between the two groups. Third, the English interests of children at both institutes were influenced by mothers' worries and at-home English interactions. Fourth, education within institutes did not affect both group's English interests. Fifth, private education and socioeconomic status did not affect both group's English interests. Lastly, only the children's interests in English immersion institutes were affected by gender and mother's perceived necessities. Focusing children's interests, this study helps in understanding young children's affective aspects regarding learning English. The findings are expected to be a guideline for each home and institute to increase children's interest in learning English.

Keywords

References

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