Our winter edition contains contributions from international, national and ‘local’ authors. We start with the article by Professor Jim Cummins, a native Irishman now living and working in Canada. He writes about a very topical project: how to teach children with different home languages. The teachers involved in the project were so proud of their achievements (and those of their learners) they even waived their right to anonymity! At national level, we have a contribution from Julia Hofweber and Professor Suzanne Graham, both based at the University of Reading. They introduce another one of the research strands in the AHRC-funded Open World Research Initiative – this time it’s about investigating the impact of creative text materials and teaching approaches in the language classroom (Check out Angela Gayton’s article in Issue 32 for the introduction to the MEITS strand – Multilingualism Empowering Individual Transforming Societies). We then have two contributions from Scotland-based authors, both with highly relevant content: Elizabeth Clingan and Sandra Coles report on their professional enquiry into the teaching of multi-composite classes in primary schools, whilst Elizabeth Murray presents us with the findings from the research she conducted as part of her MA at Heriot-Watt University, an investigation into the views of Scottish primary teachers on the perceived challenges and benefits of the 1+2 language policy. We finish with a contribution that is both national and international: Edward Bugler, now studying at the University of Portsmouth, tells us about his transformational experience as an English Language Assistant in Quebec. So here we are, back in Canada!
Also in this issue:
SLR issue 33 - download entire issue
Call for papers for our Summer Edition
We are interested in submissions that consider any aspects of language learning/teaching or language policy, in Scotland or in other parts of the world. The SLR is read by linguists as well as educational stakeholders across the country and beyond, so your article can really have impact!
Hannah Doughty, Editor