Parental involvement in Chinese preschool children’s mobile-assisted foreign language learning

Jiapei Xia; Xuesong Gao

doi:10.30827/portalin.vi.23840

Authors

Jiapei Xia University of New South Wales
Xuesong Gao University of New South Wales https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3426-8721

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30827/portalin.vi.23840

Keywords:

parental involvement, young English language learners, mobile-assisted language learning, Chinese parents, smartphone learning apps

Abstract

This paper reports on an exploratory study examining parental involvement in preschool-level English language learners’ use of smartphone apps in a Chinese context. The study aimed at understanding the challenges that Chinese parents experienced, and how they responded to these in their engagement with their children’s mobile-assisted language learning. We collected data from 12 Chinese parents using surveys, daily records, and semi-structured interviews. The data analysis revealed that the parents participated in their children’s smartphone-based English learning by regulating their involvement time and selecting the learning content in response to their children’s needs. The findings suggest that Chinese parents’ knowledge of using smartphone apps and their awareness of the English language, as essential cultural capital, increased their active involvement in their children’s English learning. They also faced challenges such as English knowledge constraints and the perceived risks associated with children’s smartphone exposure. The results highlight the need for schools and teachers to support parents’ efforts to get effectively involved in their children’s smartphone-based language learning through modelling, reinforcement, and direct instruction. Implications for English language teachers, schools, and app developers are discussed in relation to the application of smartphone apps in supporting young language learners’ learning.

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Author Biographies

Jiapei Xia, University of New South Wales

Jiapei Xia is a current PhD student at the University of New South Wales. Prior to her doctoral studies, Jiapei received her master’s degrees in TESOL from the University of Southern California, and TCSL (Teaching Chinese as a Second Language) from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Her research interest focuses on English language Education from the perspectives of second language learners’ parents.

Xuesong Gao, University of New South Wales

Xuesong (Andy) Gao is professor in language and literacy education in the School of Educationat the University of New South Wales. His research interests include strategic language learning and interdisciplinary approaches to language teaching and learning, as well as language education policy and language teacher education.

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