Mother tongue creates an atmosphere of safety in a teacher training college

SUMMARY

EXISTING KNOWLEDGE

1. Mother Tongue in Education: Research consistently shows that the use of the mother tongue in education fosters better comprehension, participation, and engagement, particularly in multicultural or multilingual classrooms.

2. Cultural Identity and Language: The mother tongue plays a significant role in reinforcing students' cultural identity, creating a sense of belonging and emotional security in learning environments.

3. Challenges for Minority Students: Arab students in Israeli educational institutions often face challenges in navigating Hebrew-dominated systems, where their mother tongue is marginalized, impacting their learning experience and sense of inclusion.

NEW INSIGHTS FROM THIS STUDY

1. Safety Through Language: The study reveals that Arab students at a teacher training college in Israel feel more secure and supported when Arabic is used in inclusive training programs. This fosters a sense of safety and belonging, contributing to better academic performance and well-being.

2. Increased Participation with Arabic Use: The use of Arabic in training programs enhances Arab students' engagement and participation. Students reported feeling more confident in expressing ideas and asking questions when training was delivered in their native language.

3. Bilingual Competence Development: The study highlights the importance of developing bilingual competence among Arab teacher trainees, ensuring they are proficient in both Arabic and Hebrew to effectively navigate the educational landscape and meet the needs of diverse learners.

PUTTING RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE

1. Inclusive Training Programs: Design and implement training programs that prioritize the mother tongue, particularly for minority students, to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

2. Bilingual Curriculum Development: Encourage the development of curricula that incorporate both the mother tongue and the dominant language, enhancing students' bilingual competence and fostering inclusivity.

3. Cultural Sensitivity in Teacher Training: Incorporate cultural sensitivity training for educators, emphasizing the importance of the mother tongue in creating a safe and inclusive atmosphere for minority students.

REFERENCE: 

Article Title: Arabic creates an atmosphere of safety because it is our mother tongue:’ inclusive training for Arab students at a teacher training college in Israel

Authors: Rabia Husisy-Sabek, Rania Hussein Farraj and Noam Lapidot-Lefler 

Journal: Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development Year: 2023