Multilingual language learning interventions to foster language proficiency and cross-linguistic awareness in language classrooms – a systematic literature review

Abstract

Multilingualism is common in educational settings across Europe and beyond, yet many language teachers report feeling unprepared to valorise the different languages students bring to their classrooms. Multilingual language learning interventions – activities that intentionally draw on students' multilingual repertoires – offer one way to enhance language learning. Research suggests that such interventions can support students' language proficiency and cross-linguistic awareness, particularly in upper primary, secondary and university contexts. Nevertheless, no systematic literature review has yet synthesised interventions fostering language proficiency and cross-linguistic awareness in educational settings for language learners aged ten or older. Consequently, this systematic review of 17 studies seeks insights into (1) types of multilingual language learning interventions fostering language proficiency and cross-linguistic awareness for this group of language learners, and (2) the outcomes of these intervention types. Our narrative analyses identified three types of multilingual language-learning interventions with outcomes related to language proficiency and/or cross-linguistic awareness: (1) Creating multilingual space in language learning, (2) Raising cross-linguistic awareness with structured tasks and (3) Exploiting multilingual repertoires to support language skills. Our review offers practical insights and directions for further research on using students' multilingual repertoires in upper primary, secondary and university language learning settings.

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