Institutional Factors Influencing Bilingual Education: A Primary School Perspective from Ghana

Samson Dodzi Fenuku
Abstract

This study examines the institutional factors influencing the effectiveness of bilingual education in primary schools within the Ledzokuku Municipality of Accra, Ghana. This study uses a mixed methods approach, and the research explores the interplay between teacher training, resource availability, administrative support, and community involvement in the success of bilingual education programs. A case study at Adom Primary School provides in-depth insights into the experiences of educators, administrators, and parents, while a survey of 200 educators and administrators offers a broader perspective. Qualitative findings emphasize the need for comprehensive teacher training and the critical role of community support in supplementing school resources. Teachers desire more extensive training to deliver instruction confidently in a second language. The case study reveals the significant impact of community involvement in overcoming resource limitations, suggesting local engagement as a strategic asset for bilingual education. Quantitative results corroborate these insights, showing significant positive correlations between teacher training hours, resource availability, and program effectiveness. Regression analysis indicates that teacher training and resource availability are significant predictors of program effectiveness, underscoring the need for targeted investments in these areas. The study identifies challenges such as a shortage of qualified bilingual teachers, resource scarcity, and the complexity of aligning language policies with community expectations. Recommendations include developing robust teacher training programs, increasing resource allocation, and fostering community-school partnerships. This research contributes to the literature by providing a nuanced understanding of the institutional factors impacting bilingual education in a Ghanaian context, with implications for educational policy and practice.

Keywords
Bilingual Education, Institutional Factors, Teacher Training, Resource Availability, Community Involvemen, and Ghana
References

Alanen, R. (2003). Individual physiological and psychological traits in second language acquisition. Applied Linguistics, 24(4), 482-500. https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/24.4.482

Baker, C. (2011). Foundations of bilingual education and bilingualism (5th ed.). Bristol: Multilingual Matters.

Banaruee, H., Alavi, S. M., & Ghonsooly, B. (2023). Factors influencing second language learning based on the research of Lightbown and Spada. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, Article 1. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.00001

Barrios, M., & Milla Lara, M. (2020). A systematic review of bilingual education teachers’ competencies. Procedia -Social and Behavioral Sciences, 191, 108-113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.04.319

Bialystok, E. (2017). The bilingual adaptation: How minds accommodate experience. Psychological Bulletin, 143(3), 233-262. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000089

Cortés Pascual, A., Moyano, N., & Quílez Robres, A. (2023). Motivational, emotional, and social factors explain academic achievement in children aged 6-12 years: A metaanalysis. Education Sciences, 13(2), 112. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13020112

Cummins, J., & Early, M. (2011). Identity texts: The collaborative creation of power in multilingual schools. UK: Trentham Books.

Dinevich, D. (2021). Effects of bilingualism on students’ linguistic education. International Review of Education, 67, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-021-09904-7

Foster, P., & Cone, J. (2019). Research methods in applied linguistics: A practical guide. London: Routledge.

García, O. (2019). Bilingual education and social justice. Bristol: Multilingual Matters.

Henderson, R., & Palmer, D. (2020). Effective bilingual education programs and implementation guidelines. Teaching and Teacher Education, 87, 102949. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2019.102949

Lin, A. M. Y. (2013). Bilingual education in a globalized world: Practices and policies. London: Routledge.

Lin, A. M. Y., & Martin, P. W. (2005). Decolonization, globalization: Language-ineducation policy and practice. Bristol: Multilingual Matters.

Lo, Y. Y. (2015). CLIL: A pedagogy for the 21st century. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

May, S. (2014). The multilingual turn: Implications for SLA, TESOL, and bilingual education. London: Routledge.

Navarro, J. J., & García-Rubio, J. (2023). Academic achievement and multifactorial complexity in education. Education Sciences, 13(2), 112. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13020112

Rideout, V. (2014). The impact of educational media on children’s learning. Journal of Children and Media, 8(1), 5-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482798.2014.963003

Published:

December 17, 2024

DOI:

Issued:

Vol. 4, No. 1, July – December 2024, pp. 46-65 . ISSN 2827-8518

Editor:

Citation:

TY – JOUR AU – Fenuku, Samson PY – 2024/12/22 SP – 46 EP – 65 T1 – Institutional Factors Influencing Bilingual Education: A Primary School Perspective from Ghana VL – 4 JO – JL3T (Journal of Linguistics Literature and Language Teaching) ER –
Translate »