Study Module 1: Managing language diversity in the
Majority Language Classroom
1 Introduction
The present module is the first part of the “Maledive”-series which has been developed for teacher education. The aim is to understand cultural and linguistic diversity as a chance for school (and) education and to show different ways how to promote it. As linguistic skills are linked to educational success, especially (future) teachers of the majority language classroom (German in Germany/Austria/Switzerland, Italian in Italy, etc.) are the target group. Furthermore, the target groups 2 and 3 (see basic introduction) may benefit from the materials. Module 1, here, can be understood as an introduction to the other modules. Central theme is the presentation and reflection about why the learner´s whole linguistic repertoire (different first languages, second and foreign languages, varieties), should be considered and how this can be realized, focusing on three different levels (individual – society – school). Some of the topics will be focused further on in the other modules. Central questions of module 1 are:
- Which meaning has multilingualism in the world?
- Which meaning has language and multilingualism for an individual?
- What are the advantages of multilingualism?
- How is multilingualism dealt in society?
- What is the importance of multilingualism and plurilingualism in the everyday school life?
- How can we visualize multilingualism and plurilingualism in the everyday school life?
- How can multilingualism and plurilingualism find its way into the (majority language) classroom?
The work with module 1 can be complemented by using a portfolio (process and product). This allows an individual and competence based work, in which reflection has a significant value. ECTS-points à basic instructions