Papers by Marlene Bohr-Feld
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Self-Reported Practices Regarding Multilingualism: A Mixed Methods Study of Preschool Teachers in the Ruhr Valley, 2023
This thesis explores Ruhr Valley preschool teachers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards ... more This thesis explores Ruhr Valley preschool teachers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards multilingualism in an empirical study with an explanatory mixed methods design. It is based on the research questions of what preschool teachers know and think about multilingualism and what their self-reported practices regarding multilingual children are. The analysis is guided by the Translanguaging framework. Results from 122 quantitative questionnaires and three qualitative interviews show that most teachers have a resource-oriented view on multilingual children and do not believe in myths about multilingualism despite a lack of training in this area. Attitudes towards the role of family languages in preschools vary, leading to heterogeneous practices in as well as between preschools. Overall, inclusive linguistic practices, which can benefit children's well-being and learning, are not implemented regularly and systematically. Higher qualifications, a mid-high percentage of multilingual children, preschool management favouring linguistic inclusion, and attention to multilingualism or diversity in preschools' concepts are linked to more inclusive attitudes and practices. Further, teachers' multilingual backgrounds and working conditions are relevant. The findings highlight a need for enhanced teacher training on multilingualism and improved working conditions in early years education.
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Papers by Marlene Bohr-Feld