| CODE | EDU5917 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Impact of Bilingualism and Multilingualism on Learning | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Faculty of Education | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Language learning takes place through communication processes and the ability to participate in active and interactive communication with peers and adults in educational settings is essential for students to succeed. In this study-unit language education will be described and analysed, also in relation to the multilingual and multiethnic demographic developments witnessed over the past years in the local settings. Comparisons will be drawn by referring to other contexts. Multilingualism and language awareness will feature among the topics covered, with reference to policy documents and frameworks (including the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Reference will be made to recent language education approaches, which give value to common underlying competences. These will include language mediation and translanguaging. The following main research areas will be addressed by referring to the Maltese sociolinguistic context: language and identity, bilingual/multulingual education, language policy and planning, intercultural communication, and the inclusion of students with different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. Study-Unit Aims: The unit aims to raise awareness in relation to linguistic diversity and to help participants understand how and why it is an asset for all students to develop language skills and knowledge. It also aims to address issues regarding migrant learners in Maltese schools while discussing strategies which are conducive to effective language acquisition and learning. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate understanding of the impact of language on growth, development and learning; - Identify educational policies and their practical implications related to schooling in a bilingual/multilingual environment; - Comprehend the links between language, thinking and learning; - Demonstrate an understanding of the main processes of second language acquisition and learning; - Comprehend basic notions underlying pedagogical approaches which deal with language awareness. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Identify processes that create an interplay between language and identity; - Demonstrate an interest in languages that one is not familiar with; - Analyze pedagogical strategies that are used in bilingual/multilingual settings, including code-switching/mixing for didactic purposes. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: • Council of Europe (2020), Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment – Companion Volume, Strasbourg, Council of Europe Publishing. • Cenoz, J., Gorter, D. & May, S. (2017, 3rd ed.), Language Awareness and Multilingualism, Springer, Boston, MA. • Garcia, O. & Wei, L. (2014), Translanguaging: Language, Bilingualism and Education, NY, Palgrave Macmillan. • Saville-Troike, M. & Barto, K. (2017, 3rd ed.), Introducing Second Language Acquisition, Cambridge, CUP. Students will also be required to read recent journal articles, as instructed during the course. These are retrievable online or on the UM repository. Supplementary Readings: • Camilleri Grima, A. (2006). Intercultural competence in early childhood education: Perspectives and activities. Malta: University of Malta • Cummins, J. (2000) Language, Power and Pedagogy: Bilingual Children in the Crossfire (Bilingual Education and Bilingualism) Multilingual Matters Ltd. • Salomone, R. C. (2010). True American: Language, identity, and the education of immigrant children. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press • Shin, S. J. (2012). Bilingualism in Schools and Society: Language, Identity, and Policy. New York: Routledge |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Paul A. Bartolo Sandro Caruana (Co-ord.) Michelle Panzavecchia |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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