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Bilingual English education: Expectation of parents who enrol their children in Bilingual primary schools
Author(s)
Date Issued
2019
ISSN
1308-1470
1694-609X
Citation
International Journal of Instruction, 2019, Vol. 12(4), pp. 747-766.
Description
Open access
Type
Peer Reviewed Journal Article
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore the reasons why parents decide to send
their children to privately funded primary schools providing a bilingual English
language program (BELP) after completion of native language-oriented
kindergarten education (i.e. Chinese language). This study was guided by one
research question: Why do parents decide to send their children to a primary
school with a BELP after the completion of native language-oriented kindergarten
education? In order to engage with the nature of the qualitative inquiry, 35 parents
were invited to share their understanding and decision of BELP for their children
with a semi-structured, face-to-face, and one-on-one interview. Three themes were
emerged for reporting: 1. the expectation of advanced English language skills; 2.
preparation for international schools, overseas schools, and university admission;
and 3. the satisfaction of parents themselves. The findings indicated that parents
tend to select programs, which satisfy their own interests instead of being the most
appropriate for children. These findings imply that the decision to study in a school
with a BELP after native language-oriented kindergarten education is affected by a
combination of factors: globalization, advanced English language skills,
preparation for further education, career development, and more importantly, the
satisfaction of parents.
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