Early language learning in private language schools in the Republic of Cyprus: teaching methods in modern times
Journal article, Peer reviewed
Published version

View/ Open
Date
2018-12-12Metadata
Show full item recordCollections
Original version
Tsagari D, Giannikas C. Early language learning in private language schools in the Republic of Cyprus: teaching methods in modern times. Mediterranean Language Review. 2018;25:53-74 http://dx.doi.org/10.13173/medilangrevi.25.2018.0053Abstract
Early language learning can be an enriching experience that brings about a great deal of benefits for children. It can help them enhance their language learning, problem solving and expression, their cognitive growth, attention span and self-confidence, and assist them in appreciating their identity and culture (Cameron 2003; Curtain 1990; Nikolov 2009, 2016; Read 2014; Singleton & Ryan 2004). All this is possible if language learning is monitored in an efficient manner, that is, when age-appropriate approaches are applied within the Young Language Learner’s (YLL) classroom (Nikolov & Mihaljević-Djigunović 2011). However, early language learning and teaching has endured a number of issues around the globe, even more so when the teaching and learning of languages belong to private supplementary tutoring, also known as ‘shadow’ education (Bray 1999; Heyneman 2011). The metaphor is used, according to Bray (2011), because private tutoring imitates the mainstream school system, and as formal education expands shadow education expands with it.
Many countries around the world experience the booming phenomenon of supplementary private tutoring (Bray 2003, 2009; Bray & Lykins 2012; Bray & Kwok 2003). Bray’s research (2011), in particular, reveals that every year families in Europe spend astonishing amounts of capital on private tutoring.
Despite its proliferation around the world, and economic and social implications (Bray 1999; Kwok 2004; Hartmann 2013; Oller & Glasman 2013; Buhagiar & Chetcuti 2013), private tutoring across school subjects, and English in particular – a special and important subclass of private tutoring worldwide (Hamid, Sussex & Khan 2009) – has received little research attention overall (Bray 2011).
The present exploratory study conducted in Cypriot private language schools (locally known as frontistiria), seeks to explore, how YLL teachers operate in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) frontistiria classrooms, the teaching methods used, the impact these are likely to have on language learning, and the nature of teacher training undertaken and needed. Research outcomes are expected to foster ongoing support for good teaching practices that can increase the chances for successful language learning and effective teaching in the private sector.
To establish a clearer understanding of the language-learning situation within the current educational context, the following section will elaborate on the language learning scope of ‘shadow’ education in Cyprus (the Greek term being parapedia), and present findings of the research undertaken.
Publisher
Harrassowitz VerlagSeries
Mediterranean Language Review;25 (2018)Journal
Mediterranean Language ReviewRelated items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
When language recognition and language shaming go hand in hand – sign language ideologies in Sweden and Norway
Haualand, Hilde; Holmström, Ingela (Deafness and Education International;Vol. 21, No 2–3, Journal article; Peer reviewed, 2018-12-18)This article focuses on the similar approaches to, yet different contexts of legal recognition of sign languages in Sweden and Norway. We use examples from sign language documentation (both scientific and popular), legislation ... -
Troubleshooting in Norwegian Sign Language: A conversation analytic approach to other-initiations of repair in multiperson Norwegian Sign Language interaction, and ways to communicate conversation analytical data on signed languages in printed and online publications
Kristian, Skedsmo (OsloMet Avhandling 2021;Nr 33, Doctoral thesis; Peer reviewed, 2021)I denne avhandlinga presenterer jeg en studie av samtaler mellom døve kollegaer på norsk tegnspråk, og hvordan de underveis i samtalen løser problemer med å oppfatte eller forstå. Studien er gjort innenfor den metoden og ... -
Family language policy and Bilingual Russian-Norwegian children’s Language acquisition in Norway
Belova, Yulia (Master thesis, 2017)This study investigated the phenomenon of transmission languages to the four children in four full families with Russian immigrant background, both intermarried and nonintermarried families. The present study also aims ...