Language audit in the management of language and cultural competences : research on the European Program Children's University ‘Little Polyglot’

Abstract

PURPOSE: Identification of key factors in the balance of language competences of school-age children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Statistical techniques and machine learning framework for NET were used in the analysis. The following were used to transform the data: one-hot encoding, replace missing value, normalize the mean variance data transformation, L-BFGS Logistic Regression algorithm (for the first model) and SDCA regression algorithm (for the second model).

FINDINGS: The results indicate disproportions in improving English language competences as a result of the reorganization (change of the teaching model) by COVID-19. The average result of the knowledge test dropped by 19-21 percentage points in relation to the first test carried out as part of the language competency audit and, at the same time, by 15-17 percentage points in relation to the test as part of the placement language audit. In the course of remote learning, the disproportions in increasing competences between students increased approximately twice. These disproportions were influenced not only by the test results and the age of the student, but also the financial situation of the student and teacher.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results obtained are important both for scientific institutions and teaching institutions, but also for economic practice. Results provide information that could be implemented in language education curricula, management of competences from the very beginning of education and cultural communication. The added value of this approach is to find gaps and weaknesses that can be eliminated in order to improve sustainable education.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The originality of the study consists in combining different test methods to conduct a language audit in the management of language competences. On the one hand, methods using artificial intelligence were used. On the other hand, qualitative and quantitative methods and dedicated to didactic evaluation. This is a novel approach, as it combines embedding research alongside trends that are now seen in similar issues.