A1 Journal article (refereed)
Miten monikielisyys ja kielitietoiset toimintatavat koetaan varhaiskasvatuksessa? (2020)
Honko, M., & Mustonen, S. (2020). Miten monikielisyys ja kielitietoiset toimintatavat koetaan varhaiskasvatuksessa?. Journal of Early Childhood Education Research, 9(2), 522-550. https://journal.fi/jecer/article/view/114145
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Honko, Mari; Mustonen, Sanna
Journal or series: Journal of Early Childhood Education Research
eISSN: 2323-7414
Publication year: 2020
Volume: 9
Issue number: 2
Pages range: 522-550
Publisher: Suomen varhaiskasvatus ry
Publication country: Finland
Publication language: Finnish
Persistent website address: https://journal.fi/jecer/article/view/114145
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/73405
Abstract
Supporting multilingualism is emphasized in the current curricula of early childhood education in Finland. This article reports an analysis of the educators’ experiences of multilingualism and language aware practices. The data consists of a questionnaire addressed to the personnel (n = 86) working in a multilingual child groups, and it was analyzed using data-driven content analysis. The article focuses on the challenges and joys that the multilingual environment has brought to the educators, as well as on the findings that the perceived challenges and joys reveal about the shifts in the notions of multilingualism and language learning. The results indicate that the challenges of multilingualism entwine especially with disruptions in interaction and the feelings of uncertainty in everyday situations, as well as ideological differences and lack of resources. The main source of joy is described especially by the children: they are open-minded and proud of learning. The educators are inspired by shared everyday humorous situations and by possibilities to broaden their minds and learn new things
Keywords: early childhood education and care; curricula; multilingualism; language-aware education
Free keywords: multilingualism; early childhood education; language awareness
Contributing organizations
Related research datasets
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2020
JUFO rating: 1