Preparing Teachers for Young and Adolescent Multilingual Learners: The Use of Reflective Narratives

Teachers need to be prepared to meet the needs of multilingual learners (MLs), who make up a growing percentage of the student population. This book explores the reflective narratives of teacher educators, in-service, and preservice teachers to prepare and train teachers who are or will be working with MLs. It discusses the challenges and implications of teaching groups of MLs, including immigrants, refugees, and learners with disabilities. The book seeks to change the narrative of these vulnerable student populations by giving voice to their experiences, challenges, success, and best practices. Reflective narrative can build equity and social justice for MLs, and this understanding is critical for culturally and linguistically diverse teaching and learning.

Format: Hardback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 08 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Multilingual learners (MLs) are a growing population in schools, and teachers often feel unprepared to meet their linguistic and educational needs. Preparing teachers for this diverse student population has become crucial in promoting equity and success for all students in our global society. This book explores and highlights the reflective narratives of teacher educators, in-service, and preservice teachers, revealing how their personal experiences, professional training, and daily teaching shape their perspectives on MLs teaching and teacher preparation.

The book presents a collection of papers that utilize teachers' reflective narratives to prepare and train teachers who are or will be working with MLs. It discusses the challenges and implications of teaching groups of MLs, including immigrants, refugees, and learners with disabilities. The book aims to change the narrative of some of our most vulnerable student populations by giving voice to the experiences, challenges, successes, and best practices encountered in the international education landscape.

Each chapter in the book offers systematic and intentional reflections that bring the marginalized stories to the center of the discussion. This understanding is critical for culturally and linguistically diverse teaching and learning, as it helps teachers develop empathy, cultural competence, and effective strategies to support MLs' academic and social-emotional development.

The book is valuable for teacher educators, in-service teachers, preservice teachers, and anyone interested in improving the education of MLs. It provides insights into the experiences of teachers working with diverse student populations and offers practical strategies and resources for building inclusive and equitable learning environments. By highlighting the power of reflective narrative, the book encourages educators to reflect on their practices and beliefs and work towards creating more inclusive and equitable schools for all students.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030896348
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022