SIL International Publications

The Vernacular Factor in Literacy in West Gulf Province Schools of PNG

Relation Text: 
SIL Electronic Working Papers 2013-001
Statement of Responsibility: 
Petterson, Robert
Issue Date: 
2013
Abstract: 
This paper presents a detailed report of surveys of thirty-three primary and elementary schools in the western portion of the Gulf Province of Papua New Guinea, and literacy testing in thirteen of those schools. A particular focus of the research was to compare literacy rates of people who had been educated using an “English-only” model of education with those of people who had received initial instruction in their mother tongue. While overall outcomes are quite poor, students who were given initial education in their mother tongue consistently out-performed peers who were educated under an “English-only” model. Other factors that contribute to the very poor education outcomes that are found in this region are also discussed.
Extent: 
43 pages
Subject: 
Vernacular Education
Multilingual Education
Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education
Literacy
English-Only Education
Education Reform
Country: 
Papua New Guinea
Content Language: 
Nature of Work: