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Peer effects in language training for migrants

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  • Sprietsma, Maresa
  • Pfeil, Lisa

Abstract

We investigate the effect of peer group composition on language improvement in language classes for adults. Using unique survey data of migrants participating in an intensive language course in Germany, we find that the age and skill composition of groups affect skill acquisition as assessed by the teacher. Moreover, groups that are more heterogenuous in terms of regions of origin on average obtain improvements in language skills with a higher probability.

Suggested Citation

  • Sprietsma, Maresa & Pfeil, Lisa, 2015. "Peer effects in language training for migrants," ZEW Discussion Papers 15-033, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:zewdip:15033
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Victor Lavy & Analia Schlosser, 2011. "Mechanisms and Impacts of Gender Peer Effects at School," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 3(2), pages 1-33, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Anzhela Dolzhikova & Victoria Kurilenko & Yulia Biryukova & Natalia Rumyantseva & Ekaterina Kulikova & Elena Tumakova, 2018. "Linguodidactic Profiling in Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language to Labour Migrants," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 181-194, February.
    2. Bonin, Holger, 2017. "The Potential Economic Benefits of Education of Migrants in the EU," IZA Research Reports 75, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    language skills; peer effects; migrants;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination

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