Research to examine the link between reading and maths

NEWDELHI: British Council India, the University of Cambridge and the University of Reading hosted a two-day event on: ‘The languages of education in multilingual India: exploring effects on reading and mathematics.’

This dissemination event is a key part of the Multilila project, led by the University of Cambridge, with co-investigators from the University of Reading, Jawaharlal Nehru University, English and Foreign Languages University (Hyderabad) and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Karnataka, in co-operation with the British Council and other key Indian partners, including the Language and Learning Foundation.

This is an ESRC and Dfidfunded longitudinal project which aims to explore the development of multilingual children’s learning and cognitive abilities in a range of contexts. The three research sites are Delhi, Hyderabad and Bihar.

Data collection is underway with approximately 1000 child participants (Standard IV) already in the database. Final research findings are expected to be reported in 2020.

Through this project, the research partners aim to provide objective and verifiable data on the effects that mediums of instruction (language use in the classroom) can have on children’s learning outcomes and learning skills.

Secondly, the project is exploring whether or not there are significant differences in the learning attainment of children attending schools in more deprived areas of urban settings (Delhi and Hyderabad) or rural areas (Bihar), along any significant differences between girls and boys.

Finally, the researchers are also investigating the role of teaching practices, methodologies and attitudes towards multilingual practices in the classroom.

Data is being collected through a variety of tests completed by the learners, questionnaires completed by teachers and head teachers and classroom observations.

Alan Gemmell, OBE, Director India, British Council said “In the last 70 years it has been a privilege for us to have played a modest part in India’s global progress by supporting aspirations of its young people who want the English language for accessing higher education, and for social, geographic and economic mobility.”

This research project will provide further evidence for our belief in multi-lingualism and the role that mother tongues play in early years of education.

Speaking at the event, Atishi Marlena, Aam Admi Party member, said, “The medium of instruction and how well it is internalised by the student determines how well the child is able to learn. ”