Improving language comprehension in preschool children with language difficulties: a cluster randomized trial
Åste M Hagen1, Monica Melby-Lervåg2, Arne Lervåg1
1Department of Education, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Summary
Intensive, prolonged preschool interventions can improve language comprehension in children with difficulties. These improvements, particularly in complex language skills, were sustained long after the program ended, aiding future academic and social success.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Children with language comprehension difficulties face significant risks for later educational, social, and employment challenges.
- Early intervention is crucial, yet research on effective preschool-based programs for these children is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of a classroom-based intervention designed to enhance language comprehension skills in preschool children.
- To determine the short-term and long-term effects of the intervention on various language performance measures.
Main Methods:
- A cluster randomized trial was implemented across 148 preschool classrooms.
- The intervention focused on language comprehension, delivered over 1 year and 1 month in intensive blocks.
- Language performance was assessed using multiple measures immediately post-intervention and at a 7-month delayed follow-up.
Main Results:
- Moderate positive effects were observed across near, intermediate, and distal language measures immediately following the intervention.
- Sustained and reliable improvements were noted specifically for distal language measures at the delayed follow-up.
- The findings highlight the potential for lasting benefits from targeted language interventions.
Conclusions:
- Classroom-based interventions can effectively improve language comprehension in children with language difficulties.
- Achieving significant and lasting improvements requires intensive and prolonged intervention strategies.
- Early and sustained support is vital for mitigating long-term negative outcomes associated with language comprehension deficits.
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