Mother Tongue plus Two Languages in Primary Education

SUMMARY

Existing Knowledge:

1. Scotland's "1+2 language policy" aimed to ensure that by 2021, all students learn their mother tongue plus two additional languages in primary education.

2. Research has shown that language learning at an early age boosts cognitive development, increases cultural awareness, and improves language acquisition.

3. Despite policy frameworks, teachers’ confidence and ability to effectively deliver multilingual education remain key factors in the success of language teaching.

New Insights from this Study:

1. The study reveals a lack of confidence among Scottish primary teachers in delivering the "1+2" language model, especially with the second additional language.

2. Many teachers expressed concerns about their own proficiency in foreign languages and felt inadequately prepared by their initial teacher education programs to teach languages beyond English and Scots.

3. There is a disparity between teachers’ positive attitudes toward multilingual education and their actual ability or readiness to implement the policy in their classrooms effectively.

Putting Research into Practice:

1. Teacher training programs should include more comprehensive language training to build confidence and equip teachers with the skills to deliver multilingual education.

2. Schools should provide continuous professional development focused on practical language teaching strategies and cross-language integration.

3.   Policymakers need to offer more classroom support and resources, ensuring that teachers have the tools they need to effectively implement the 1+2 language policy in diverse classroom settings.

Reference:

Article Title: Mother Tongue plus two Languages: are Scottish Primary Teachers confident to deliver?

Authors: Valdera Gil, F. and Crichton, H.

Journal: Language Learning Journal Year: 2018