Cross-lagged cross-subject bidirectional predictions among achievements in mathematics, English language and Chinese language of school children

• Published in: Educational psychology (Dorchester-on-Thames) Vol. 37; no. 10; pp. 1259 - 1280
• Main Authors: Mok, Magdalena Mo Ching, Zhu, Jinxin, Law, Cecilia Lai Kwan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dorchester-on-Thames Routledge 26.11.2017; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Academic achievement; achievement in Chinese Language; achievement in English language; Bilingual Students; Bilingualism; Chinese; Chinese languages; Correlation; Cross-lagged association; Elementary School Students; English; English (Second Language); English language; Foreign Countries; Gender Differences; Grade 3; Grade 6; Grade 9; Hierarchical Linear Modeling; Language of Instruction; Language Proficiency; Language Tests; longitudinal; Longitudinal Studies; Mandarin Chinese; math achievement; Mathematics; Mathematics Achievement; Mathematics Education; Mathematics Tests; Prediction; Second Language Learning; Secondary School Students; Statistical Analysis; Structural Equation Models; Hong Kong
• ISSN: 0144-3410; 1469-5820
• DOI: 10.1080/01443410.2017.1334875

This study aimed to explore the cross-lagged association of achievements in mathematics and languages. While the effect of language on achievements in mathematics is well-documented, few studies have examined the reciprocal relationships among mathematics, the Chinese language and the English language in the same study. This study conducted a secondary analysis of longitudinal achievement data collected through the Territory-wide System Assessment (TSA) in Hong Kong. The sample comprised 48,547 third-grade, unbalanced bilingual students who were measured three times over six years: in 2007 (in Grade 3), 2010 (Grade 6) and 2013 (Grade 9). Multilevel cross-lagged analysis found prior achievement in a subject was the strongest predictor of achievement in that subject three years later. Furthermore, cross-subject bidirectional prediction was found among achievements in mathematics, Chinese language and English language for students from Grade 3 to Grade 6 and from Grade 6 to Grade 9.