International Lecture Series: Learning in multilingual and multicultural contexts – impact on teacher education.

Professor and Head of Department of Language Learning
Ludwigsburg University of Education
Germany

Head of the Institute of Psychology
Ludwigsburg University of Education
Germany

Title of contribution: Inclusion of Family Languages in the Classroom - Results of Two Empirical BMBF-Funded Projects

Abstract:
Increasing migration is accompanied by a great diversity of languages in today's school. Numerous ideas and concepts have been introduced to address the multiple family languages of students as a resource in the classroom (e.g. Lorenz et al., 2021). However, in many European countries, the linguistic resources of multilingual students are hardly embraced in the classroom (e.g., Ellis et al., 2010). This paper presents key findings from an experimental extracurricular and a quasi-experimental classroom study on the inclusion of family languages in the literacy and numeracy development of 3rd and 4th grade elementary school students. Among other things, the role of the language background of the learning partner and the use of multilingual communication on learning success, as well as the impact of multilingual-sensitive teaching on classroom management and classroom climate were investigated. The results of both studies are encouraging regarding the inclusion of multilingualism in the classroom.

Institute of Psychology - Member
Ludwigsburg University of Education
Germany

Title of contribution: Inclusion of Family Languages in the Classroom - Results of Two Empirical BMBF-Funded Projects

Abstract:Increasing migration is accompanied by a great diversity of languages in today's school. Numerous ideas and concepts have been introduced to address the multiple family languages of students as a resource in the classroom (e.g. Lorenz et al., 2021). However, in many European countries, the linguistic resources of multilingual students are hardly embraced in the classroom (e.g., Ellis et al., 2010). This paper presents key findings from an experimental extracurricular and a quasi-experimental classroom study on the inclusion of family languages in the literacy and numeracy development of 3rd and 4th grade elementary school students. Among other things, the role of the language background of the learning partner and the use of multilingual communication on learning success, as well as the impact of multilingual-sensitive teaching on classroom management and classroom climate were investigated. The results of both studies are encouraging regarding the inclusion of multilingualism in the classroom.

Professor at Faculty of Education and International Studies
Oslo Metropolitan University
Norway

Professor of Applied Languages in the School of Modern Languages and Applied Linguistics
Ollscoil Luimnigh/University of Limerick
Ireland

Title: Language management, multilingualism, and inclusion in organisations

Abstract: Language often does not play a very large role in organisational priorities, even though it is fundamental to organisational life and to how people – both internal and external – experience that organisation. Because of this, it is very often the case that language is what gets an organisation into difficulties. Both private and public sector organisations are currently rushing to implement changes to corporate language practices in response to changing societal values and norms, which favour a drive for diversity and inclusion, as well as bottom-up pressure from employees and the reality of a more diverse workforce, and customer / client / student base. Such changes, however, often take place at a superficial level only and consequently have less impact and may even result in a backlash. In the talk, I argue that these efforts could benefit from a holistic language policy approach (Spolsky 2009) which encompasses not just practices, but also the management of changing language practices and engagement with beliefs/ ideologies about such practices. Through raising language awareness and planning language management, we can make organisations more inclusive and also more successful places for all their members. The talk includes examples from a range of educational, public service, corporate and voluntary organisations.

Spolsky, B. (2009). Language management. Cambridge University Press.

Professor of Foreign Language Education in the Cato College of Education
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
United States

Geschäftsführerin der Akademie für wissenschaftliche Weiterbildung (AWW) der Pädagogischen Hochschule Weingarten (PHW)