There is little consensus in the literature on what factors put refugee children at risk for low academic achievement. Although some studies point to possible influences, few are replicated or supported by the majority of research. Risk factors that have been found to be significant in at least one study include exposure to violence (Berthold, 2000; Thompson & Massat, 2005), language barriers (Mace et al., 2014; Stermac et al., 2012), ethnic differences (Rousseau et al., 1996), school integration (Kanu, 2008; Wilkinson, 2002), and family characteristics (Rousseau & Drapeau, 2000; Stermac et al., 2012; Wilkinson, 2002). Although these findings may inform future researchers, lack of support within the current literature in this area makes determining
…show more content…
Most studies were conducted in first world nations; the United States (Berthold, 2000; Fox et al., 2004), Canada (Rousseau & Drapeau, 2000; Rousseau et al., 1996; Stermac et al., 2012; Wilkinson, 2002) or Australia (Mace et al., 2014). Not all refugees seek asylum in these three nations. Over half of Syrian refugees reside in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon (“UNHCR Syria Regional Refugee Response,” n.d.). The school system and cultural values in these countries may differ greatly from that of a school in Canada. Future research should investigate children’s achievement in schools in diverse …show more content…
Current research has shown that not all refugee groups behave equally. It is unknown how current children refugees will transition into the school context. Previous findings on risk factors may or may not be applicable to refugees of today or tomorrow. Research should follow this modern cohort of refugee children to better understand and assist in their transition post displacement.
There is a gap in the literature on how refugee children do academically long term and eventually fair in the workforce. Longitudinal studies following refugee children as they develop and throughout their adult life should be conducted. These studies would allow researchers a more comprehensive understanding of how children fare after the experience of relocation.
Once risk factors have been identified additional research on interventions can be conducted. Preliminary research has found that Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be instrumental in decreasing overall behavioral and emotional difficulties in children who have experienced war-related trauma (Ehntholt, Smith, & Yule, 2005). Due to small sample size and lack of follow-up data, further research should look at the effectiveness of this and other
Most studies were conducted in first world nations; the United States (Berthold, 2000; Fox et al., 2004), Canada (Rousseau & Drapeau, 2000; Rousseau et al., 1996; Stermac et al., 2012; Wilkinson, 2002) or Australia (Mace et al., 2014). Not all refugees seek asylum in these three nations. Over half of Syrian refugees reside in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon (“UNHCR Syria Regional Refugee Response,” n.d.). The school system and cultural values in these countries may differ greatly from that of a school in Canada. Future research should investigate children’s achievement in schools in diverse …show more content…
Current research has shown that not all refugee groups behave equally. It is unknown how current children refugees will transition into the school context. Previous findings on risk factors may or may not be applicable to refugees of today or tomorrow. Research should follow this modern cohort of refugee children to better understand and assist in their transition post displacement.
There is a gap in the literature on how refugee children do academically long term and eventually fair in the workforce. Longitudinal studies following refugee children as they develop and throughout their adult life should be conducted. These studies would allow researchers a more comprehensive understanding of how children fare after the experience of relocation.
Once risk factors have been identified additional research on interventions can be conducted. Preliminary research has found that Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be instrumental in decreasing overall behavioral and emotional difficulties in children who have experienced war-related trauma (Ehntholt, Smith, & Yule, 2005). Due to small sample size and lack of follow-up data, further research should look at the effectiveness of this and other