Perceptions of different stakeholders on the year 3 and 4 foreign language awareness programme

Abstract

The Maltese islands have long been exposed to foreign languages apart from Maltese and English. Foreign languages are considered fundamental in all sectors, however in recent years an alarming situation arose in the educational sector. This involved a decrease in the number of Maltese students obtaining a Secondary Education Certificate in one or more foreign languages. Consequently, the number of pupils studying a foreign language at a higher level of education also diminished. Inevitably, strategies were implemented to improve this situation, such as the introduction of the Foreign Language Awareness Programme. This dissertation explores the perceptions of different stakeholders on this programme, which as from scholastic year 2017-18 has targeted Year 3 and 4 students attending Maltese primary state schools. Consequently, it identifies the perceived strengths and benefits of the programme; records its impact as perceived by the different participants; and outlines its areas for improvement. By adopting a qualitative methodology, a semi-structured interview was conducted with the Programme Coordinator, the Assistant Director, a College Principal, two Heads of Schools and five FLAP teachers. Research findings suggest that participants are aware of the programme’s aims and how it is being implemented. Participants outlined a number of perceived benefits of the programme, that link well to its aims, i.e. becoming aware of distinct foreign languages and cultures, acknowledging and accepting diversity and developing lifelong learning skills, amongst others. All involved stakeholders reviewed positively the programme, especially outlining a number of expected and unexpected positive outcomes. These include student’s ability to communicate with others as well as to pinpoint and share learned information. Although participants encountered some difficulties with the programme, namely related to school logistics and a lack of human resources to teach the programme, they are looking forward for the continuation of the latter and offer various suggestions on how this can be accentuated.