School of Education

Dr Christine Hadfield and Dr Francisco Valdera-Gil took part in the development of a new MOOC on language. The University of Glasgow and the Scottish Council of Deans of Education Languages Group have recently launched the MOOC entitled ‘Plurilingual Classrooms in Action’. This is a four-week course corresponding to the key principles identified in the National Framework for Languages (NFfL – National Framework for Languages (ed.ac.uk)).  There are sections on the following areas: plurilingualism, diversity, policy and legislation, and transformative practices.

Today’s classrooms are increasingly diverse, with many different cultures and languages represented. This can pose a challenge, but also provide some great learning opportunities for children to learn about different languages and cultures and reflect on what it means to use a language for different purposes and in different contexts. This MOOC aims to support all teachers, regardless of the stage of their careers, but especially pre-service teachers across Initial Teacher Education programmes, in developing an understanding of the role of languages in and for education.

The course consists of short readings, videos, tasks, and opportunities to reflect.  Each of the activities will take no longer than 10 minutes to complete and provide an overview of language teaching and learning in the 21^st century.  The aim is to enhance the creation of effective and engaging learning approaches which support inclusive practices in the classroom.

• The Plurilingual Classrooms in Action MOOC can be accessed here: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/plurilingual-classrooms-in-action/1
• National Framework for Languages can be accessed here http://www.nffl.education.ed.ac.uk/national-framework-for-languages/
• More information about the MOOC can be found on the SCDE Languages Group blog http://www.nffl.education.ed.ac.uk/blog/

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First published: 5 May 2022