English-as-a-Second-Language Programs in Basic Skills Education Program 1
Abstract
The Dept of the Army needs information to aid in making decisions about English language programs and limited-English-speaking soldiers. This information was gathered by analyzing data tapes covering more than 4000 soldiers and by carrying out a field study at seven Army posts. All data show improvements in test scores over the six-weeks of instruction. Soldiers with higher final scores are more likely to succeed in AIT. Although soldiers made favorable comments about programs and teachers, they report a need for more experience with speaking and listening as opposed to reading and writing. Limited English speaking soldiers tend to have difficulties such as culture shock, the inability to follow directions and understand written material, low motivation, and have the potential to be safety risks. The Army provides six weeks of English language instruction to prepare these soldiers to succeed during Initial Entry Training. The programs evaluated improved English language skills for all enrolled soldiers. However, those with the greatest deficiencies tended to graduate without meeting the test score criterion and demonstrated higher attrition during training. The Army must consider, therefore, whether to modify its English language programs to further improve the skills of highly deficient soldiers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA146867
Entities
People
- H. Rosenbaum
- J. C. Redish
- J. Harman
- S. Stoddart
- V. M. Holland
Organizations
- American Institutes for Research