Empirical validation of the Oral Narrative Competence Evaluation with the TellingApp (ONCE) Scale in Early Childhood

Abstract

This study aims to discuss the design of the scale Oral Narrative Competence Evaluation with TellingApp (ONCE), and to validate it. ONCE was designed to evaluate oral narrative competence in preschool children ($N=$ 93) aged 4 to 6 through oral storytelling, using a digital application. Exploratory and confirmatory analysis were performed to confirm the starting theoretical model, giving good reliability ($\alpha$ = .842) and adequate indices of fit, justifying the validity of the scale. oral narrative competence is defined by 16 variables making up narrative competences (originality, coherence, cohesion, and conclusion of the story), communicative competences (pronunciation, intonation, gestures, vocabulary, tenses used, correct use of tenses, morphology and syntax), and engagement provided by the app (interest, curiosity, immersion, and enjoyment). Weighting was proportional to the level of precision, highlighting that engagement with the narrative task supported by the app was what most affected children’s levels of oral narrative competence. In addition, multiple linear regression analysis confirmed the high predictive capacity of the ONCE scale. The scale contributes to the evaluation of preschool children’s levels of oral narrative competence as a theoretical construct due to its reliability and validity.