Language considerations for every teacher

Abstract

The national core curriculum for basic education in Finland emphasizes language aware education (kielitietoisuus) with each adult a language model and language teacher (FNBE, 2014: 28). This approach recognises pupil diversity and the need to address language as a key tool in teaching and learning as well as for societal integration. In language aware education, the responsibility for pupils’ language development is shared across the school community. Discussions around this issue recognise the need to support heritage languages as well as the value of plurilingualism. These are important discussions, but can overlook the ways in which language is already present and used within education. This article critically considers the presence and use of language within the classroom as well as different forms language takes in classrooms.