Purpose

This course provides an introductory overview of some of the key theories that undergird first language based multilingual education (L1-MLE). It provides examples of some materials that can support literacy development in the child’s first language (L1) as well as principles for helping students learn additional languages such as the national language and English. Other factors will also be highlighted as components that need to be addressed in order to implement a strong L1-MLE program.

Audience

This course is designed for trainers of in-service or pre-service teachers.

Course Structure

The course consists of 10 synchronous zoom sessions (3 hours each), once a week for 10 weeks with additional independent work on the SIL eLearning site. 

Course Goals

By the end of this course the participants will be able to:

• Explain key principles relating to the aims, goals and implementation of strong L1-MLE programs.

• Describe the purpose of essential teaching materials for supporting first language development

• Identify instructional strategies for developing academic language and higher order thinking skills (HOTS) in content subjects

• Connect theoretical concepts with relevant national curriculum competencies

• Describe effective strategies for acquiring additional languages (listening, speaking, reading, writing)

• Advocate for strong L1-MLE programs

Registration has now closed for the 2022 course. For information about future offerings please contact philina_ng@sil.org.