Journal of Applied Language Learning(JALL)

Department of Educational Psychology, Special, Education and Sociology of Education, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia

Publications

• Research Article   
  Language as a Mediator of Learning: A Bayesian Multilevel Analysis of Multilingual Mathematics Classrooms in Zambia
  Author(s): Kadonsi Kaziya*
  
  Persistent linguistic inequalities continue to constrain mathematics learning in Zambia, where learners transition from familiar local languages to English as the medium of instruction. This study investigated how language functions as a mediator of learning across learners, classrooms, and schools using Bayesian multilevel modelling. A cross- sectional sample of 1,284 learners nested within 54 classrooms and 18 schools completed assessments of L1 and L2 proficiency, working memory, mathematics achievement, and measures of classroom language practices and school- level multilingual support. Four hierarchical Bayesian models were estimated using MCMC procedures with weakly informative priors, model comparison via WAIC/LOOIC, and posterior predictive checks. Results demonstrated strong evidence that L2 proficiency (β = 0.42, 95% CrI > 0) and L1 proficiency (β = 0.18, CrI &g.. Read More»
  

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