In April and May of 2024, within the context of our FOCUS project, p-consulting conducted a series of interviews and one focus group with experience in teaching pupils 6-12 years old with learning difficulties. The interviews mark the completion of our research which was conducted in order to create a data base with useful information and best practices. Our project, FOCUS, intents to upgrade foreign language teachers’ knowledge and methods concerning teaching Primary school learners with learning difficulties so as to create inclusive classrooms.
Our conversations with the teaching professionals revolved around their own experiences in relation to teaching learners with special educational needs. More specifically, they shared with us their methods of teaching and inclusion, the assistive technologies they use, the ways they manage the emotional ups and downs of said pupils, as well as success stories of children who excelled despite their difficulties. At the same time, they expressed their opinion on which professional opportunities would help them conduct their lesson even more successfully as well as some general thoughts on inclusion, learning difficulties and the Greek educational system.
Two of the main points that were made by all teachers are that:
- children with difficulties are indeed capable of acquiring a new language as long as they are taught by educators who are willing to adapt their methods to the pupils without expecting the children to adapt to their teachings,
- and that if educators focus on those pupils’ strengths rather than their “weaknesses”, every single one of them can thrive.
The questionnaire was formed in such a way so as to identify the difficulties and challenges foreign language teachers face when dealing with learners with difficulties. Following our conversations, we are now able to finalize the first part of our project as these interviews will provide insight for our project’s, FOCUS, online data base. This forthcoming digital tool is to be filled with numerous methods and best practices in favor of creation of inclusive classrooms in every corner of the world. The interviews will be the base of this tool since they can help us distinguish between the teachers’ already successful methods and their lacks and they can now help us work with a purpose.
We would like to thank from the bottom of our hearts all the participating teachers: Rania Spiridakou, Nazela Tsampasian, Amalia Georgelou, Eftichia Papalexopoulou, Dimitris Kouniakis, Agapi Dendaki, Irini Papakammenou, Cony Constantopoulou, Chrstina Veroni for their contribution to our project, FOCUS, and for lending us a hand in shaping the future of foreign language education.
