Inclusive Education in Bilingual and Plurilingual Programs

Implementing bilingual and plurilingual education programs has ushered in a transformative era for educators worldwide. These programs have redefined teaching practices and thrust diversity into the spotlight as a central concern. During this paradigm shift, the need to cater to diverse students has become paramount, particularly in monolingual European contexts where bilingual and plurilingual instruction is often perceived as a formidable challenge, especially for learners with special needs. Inclusive Education in Bilingual and Plurilingual Programs assembles a compendium of international theoretical and practical contributions, shedding light on the intricate interplay between diversity and bilingual or plurilingual education. This book delves into the multifaceted realm of attention to diversity in education, where the focus is on tailoring teaching methods to the specific needs of students, encompassing differences in abilities, learning paces, and styles, which empowers students to acquire essential competencies and attain educational objectives at each stage of their academic journey. Secondly, it traverses the landscape of bilingual and plurilingual education, which has emerged in response to the societal, employment, and economic demands for language proficiency beyond one's mother tongue. This shift necessitates a review of educational policies and recognizes that many educational institutions, including schools, are now operating in bilingual or plurilingual contexts. What sets this book apart is its comprehensive collection of contemporary examples that illuminate the theoretical underpinnings and practical experiences of teachers navigating the complexities of diversity within bilingual or plurilingual classrooms across the globe. These examples encompass a broad spectrum of educational scenarios, including various stages of education, foreign language instruction, content-based learning, and more. Inclusive Education in Bilingual and Plurilingual Programs is essential reading for many educational stakeholders engaged in bilingual or plurilingual education. Teachers at every educational level, along with teacher trainers at tertiary institutions, will find valuable insights for tailoring their pedagogical approaches to the unique needs of their students. Moreover, education professionals experienced in managing attention to diversity within bilingual or plurilingual schools will discover practical strategies to enhance their practices.