Pathways to early science literacy: Investigating the different role of language and reading skills in science literacy among early primary school children

Pathways to early science literacy: Investigating the different role of language and reading skills in science literacy among early primary school children

• Sun, Yuanke The Education University of Hong Kong
• Chan, Man Ho The Education University of Hong Kong

International Journal of Science Education, 2024

Routledge

2024

• G Curriculum, Teaching & Learning: Specific Disciplines
  • GD Science & Technology
    • GDA Teaching Objectives, Curriculum & Evaluation

Word Reading Reading Comprehension Science Literacy

• Hong Kong

• 1997.7 onwards

• Primary Education

The initiation of formal science education provides an opportunity to investigate how age-related language and reading skills respond to the challenge of science literacy (SL) performance. SL in early primary schools refers to the understanding and application of scientific core ideas and practices for informed decision-making. Studies revealed that high levels of singular reading or language skills correlate with better SL performance in school settings. However, it is essential to explore how nuanced words and textual reading skills relate to SL performance for early primary learners. One hundred ninety-three Hong Kong second graders were assessed on word reading, reading comprehension, vocabulary, nonverbal reasoning, and SL. The hierarchical regression model shows that word reading and reading comprehension are significant predictors of SL, controlling for nonverbal reasoning and vocabulary. Further, mediation analysis reveals that reading comprehension significantly mediates the effect of word reading on SL at grade 2, suggesting a shared reading-SL cognitive process. A tailored early elementary school literacy instruction is a promising way to enhance SL development among young learners. Copyright © 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

• English

Journal Articles

• 09500693

• 10.1080/09500693.2024.2335671

https://bibliography.lib.eduhk.hk/bibs/7e14f799

2024-10-09