Open AccessSPANISH TRANSLATION AND FEASIBILITY STUDY OF RANGER RICK'S NATURE MAGAZINE
Author(s) -
Shipman Virginia C.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
ets research report series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.235
H-Index - 5
ISSN - 2330-8516
DOI - 10.1002/j.2330-8516.1983.tb00023.x
Subject(s) - ethnic group , psychology , socioeconomic status , context (archaeology) , sample (material) , population , test (biology) , limited english proficiency , latin americans , language proficiency , medical education , pedagogy , mathematics education , geography , sociology , demography , political science , medicine , paleontology , health care , chemistry , archaeology , chromatography , anthropology , law , biology
The present study represented the interests of the National Science Foundation, The National Wildlife Federation and Educational Testing Service in instructional materials for students of Hispanic background with limited English language proficiency. The study was designed to (a) evaluate the acceptance, appropriateness, and use of an experimental Spanish edition of Ranger Rick's Nature Magazine ; (b) identify similarities and differences in reaction by diverse groups within the Hispanic population; and (c) collect and analyze recommendations from the field test sample for the Spanish edition program materials and services. The findings were based on a large nationwide sample of students that varied on the following characteristics: Hispanic origin (Mexican American, Puerto Rican, and Cuban), type of community (urban, suburban, and rural), family socioeconomic status, grade level (four through eight), and level of Spanish and English proficiency. Information also was provided by school administrative and teaching staff. Data were collected by mailed questionnaires and by both interviews and observation at a sample of the study sites. The results indicated that the approach represented by the Spanish edition of Ranger Rick has merit, well serves a variety of pressing educational needs and should be pursued further. Acceptance of the magazine was high for the various ethnic groups represented. Variability within sites, however, reflected differences in students' Spanish competencies, teachers' attitudes and skills, and the particular sociocultural context.