Foreign language learning in students with Language Disorder: Unlocking the potential
| Tuesday, May 28, 2024 |
| 10:50 AM - 11:05 AM |
| Knowledge Hub |
Overview
Presenter
Foreign language learning in students with Language Disorder: Unlocking the potential
10:50 AM - 11:05 AMPresentation summary
Many educators have reported a prevalent educational practice involving withdrawing students with disabilities, particularly those struggling with their communication skills, from foreign languages (FL) classrooms. This assumption stems from the belief that if a student is struggling with their native language acquisition, then mastery of a FL is out of the question. This presentation challenges this norm, advocating for inclusive education that recognises the potential of every student, irrespective of language barriers.
Methods:
Drawing from a wealth of experiences through visiting schools across Queensland as well as the partnership of the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) and a Languages Educator, this partnership aimed to empower FL educators through enhancing their knowledge and understanding of Language Disorder (LD) and how to support students in a FL classroom. This was delivered through a series of conferences across 2021 and 2022 in Queensland and NSW.
Results:
The SLP delivered a presentation followed by a practical workshop as part of the conference program to unpack difficulties experienced by students with LD. Quality differentiated teaching practices to support this population were presented, and the workshop showcased key strategies in the areas of syntax and vocabulary, as these domains were deemed the most practical in the context of FL learning. FL educators reported positively about their experience, indicating that there is often limited professional development for FL teachers in supporting students with disability. Therefore, they reported increased awareness of LD and strategies to support FL teaching in this population.
Conclusion:
As the current literature on this topic is not extensive, there is a pressing need for further research to explore the nuances of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and LD more generally, in the context of FL learning.
Key messages
At the conclusion of my presentation attendees will take away:
1. advocating for inclusive education that recognises the potential of every student is vital
2. students with LD can learn foreign languages but much more research is needed in this area around specific strategies
3. continued partnerships with SLPs and schools can support use of quality differentiated teaching practices
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SPA staff
Student volunteer(s)
The information contained in this program is current at of the time of publishing but is subject to changes made without notice.
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