‘Discovering Language’ in primary school: an evaluation of a language awareness programme

Teachers’ views on recognising and using home languages in predominantly monolingual primary schools

“…Teaching students about multilingualism has been shown to improve students' self-efficacy towards language learning as well as providing them with a more realistic picture of the world's multilingualism which is perhaps contrary to the 'monolingual bubble' (p.13) they may be living in (Lanvers, Hultgren & Gayton, 2016). Additionally, using a wider variety of languages has been found to positively influence children's expressed views towards other languages and cultures (Barton, Bragg, Serratrice, 2009). Multilingual pedagogy can also be useful when teachers' linguistic knowledge and confidence are limited as specialist knowledge of one language is not required (Barton et al, 2009;Jones, Barnes, & Hunt, 2005), a potentially compelling motivation for many UK schools.…”

“…Additionally, using a wider variety of languages has been found to positively influence children's expressed views towards other languages and cultures (Barton, Bragg, Serratrice, 2009). Multilingual pedagogy can also be useful when teachers' linguistic knowledge and confidence are limited as specialist knowledge of one language is not required (Barton et al, 2009;Jones, Barnes, & Hunt, 2005), a potentially compelling motivation for many UK schools.…”

Making the Case for Exploratory World Language Instruction in Catholic Elementary Schools through University Partnerships

“…Despite the conflicting evidence from research about starting age for language learning, several researchers have found benefits to children beginning their study of world languages in elementary school (Barton, Bragg, & Serratrice, 2009;Boyson et al, 2013;Chambless, 2003Chambless, , 2005Harkins, 2010). As discussed, Boyson et al (2013) found evidence that elementary students were able to develop listening and oral proficiency in WL classrooms where teachers used communicative language teaching methods.…”

“…As discussed, Boyson et al (2013) found evidence that elementary students were able to develop listening and oral proficiency in WL classrooms where teachers used communicative language teaching methods. Other researchers have found WL education at the elementary level helps foster positive attitudes in children about language learning and increases children's intercultural awareness (Barton et al, 2009;Chambless, 2003Chambless, , 2005Muñoz, 2014)…”

“…In the United Kingdom, Barton et al (2009) studied the effects of the Discovering Language Programme in which elementary school teachers, who were not language teachers, learned a WL while teaching it to their students (Barton et al, 2009). Teachers were provided with materials to enable them to teach geography, history, and citizenship to students so they develop intercultural awareness and increase students' intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to learn world languages.…”