A number of companies in Bremen, Germany, have opened positions for internships and vocational training to refugees and are currently in need of a guideline for employee selection.
To this end, this study explored indicators of refugees’ potential language learning effectiveness by carrying out semi-structured interviews with six experts who teach the German language to refugees. Analysis of the interviews followed the thematic analysis procedure described by Braun and Clarke (2006).
The results highlighted three steps that could be used as a guideline for personnel selection. First, teachers and other persons who have a realistic impression of the respective learner’s traits regarding intrinsic characteristics, surrounding conditions, and consequent motivation should recommend potential employees.
In a second step, recruiters should take into consideration possible biases on part of the respective recommendation giver.
In a last step, the role of autonomy as put forward by Ryan and Deci (2000; 2008) needs to be considered, as it can have major impact on the type of motivation of the respective learner and potential employee.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Literature Research
3. Aim of the Study
4. Method
4.1 Sampling and Data Collection
4.2 Final Sample and Procedure
4.3 Data Analysis
4.4 Codes
5. Results
5.1 Themes
5.2 Limitations and Future Research
5.3 Conclusion
Study Objectives & Research Focus
This study aims to identify key indicators for effective German language learning among refugees to provide human resources departments with guidelines for employee selection. By analyzing expert interviews with language teachers, the study explores traits and conditions that predict learning success, with a specific focus on the role of motivation and self-determination theory in the integration process.
- Identification of intrinsic characteristics and surrounding conditions affecting language learning.
- Exploration of the role of motivation in the effectiveness of language acquisition.
- Development of practical guidelines for companies to assess the language learning potential of refugee applicants.
- Analysis of the impact of self-determination theory (competence, relatedness, and autonomy) on learners.
Excerpt from the Book
Intrinsic Characteristics of the Learner.
Do the traits and attitudes a learner brings to the lectures determine their success? Overall, a main topic discussed by the interviewees was personal characteristics, which influence the potential of the learning participant to learn the German language. This may include traits, such as age and gender:
"I have an observation: the younger they are, the better they learn. But I actually knew that all along. The older the participants are, the more difficulties they have with it" [P2].
Participant 2 also observed a difference between male and female learners in their course:
"Another observation: the women are more reserved than the men, and usually also have more difficulties than the men" [P2].
When asked to explain this difference, they drew on their understanding of the perceived traditions in Muslim cultures:
"I guess this is related to the understanding of roles of a Muslim family, that the women stand back, and that the man in the family traditionally takes over the leading role" [P2].
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the socio-economic context of refugees in Germany and the need for companies to assess language learning potential for successful workplace integration.
Literature Research: Reviews current population dynamics, the refugee situation in Germany, and theoretical frameworks regarding second language learning and motivation.
Aim of the Study: Defines the research question focusing on promising traits of incoming migrants for effectively learning the German language.
Method: Describes the use of semi-structured expert interviews with six German language teachers and the thematic analysis procedure to derive insights.
Results: Presents the identified themes (Intrinsic Characteristics, Surrounding Conditions, Consequent Motivation) and discusses them through the lens of self-determination theory.
Keywords
language learning, refugees, employment, self-determination theory, competence, relatedness, autonomy, teacher recommendations, German language, integration, intrinsic characteristics, motivation, migrant workers, vocational training, expert interviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on identifying indicators that predict the effectiveness of German language learning among refugees to assist companies in the selection process for internships and vocational training.
What are the main thematic areas identified in the study?
The study categorizes the findings into three overarching themes: the intrinsic characteristics of the learner, the surrounding conditions of the learner, and the consequent motivation of the learner.
What is the core research question addressed by the author?
The core question is: "What are the promising traits of incoming migrants for effectively learning the German language?"
Which methodology did the author employ?
The author utilized a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured, expert interviews with six German language teachers and applying the thematic analysis method by Braun and Clarke.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body covers the literature review on motivation and demographics, the methodological approach, the identification of 27 initial codes, the clustering of themes, and the discussion of these findings within the framework of self-determination theory.
What characterizes the participants in this study?
The participants are six German language teachers with varying experience levels, teaching students aged 15 and older in institutions like the VHS, STB, and a school center in Bremen.
How does self-determination theory relate to the findings?
Self-determination theory serves as a framework to explain that motivation is not just about quantity but quality, emphasizing competence, relatedness, and autonomy as essential needs for learner growth.
What role does the 'teacher' play in the recommendation process?
The study suggests that teachers are key informants who, due to their firsthand experience with a learner's daily progress and behavioral patterns, can provide invaluable recommendations to employers.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Rebekka Schliep (Autor:in), 2016, Indicators for refugees’ effective language learning. An exploratory study, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/369466
