Supporting Finnish Language Learners in Basic Education: Teachers' Views

Authors

  • Raisa Harju-Autti Faculty of Education and Culture, Tampere University
  • Hanna-Maija Sinkkonen Faculty of Education, University of Turku

Keywords:

multilingualism, linguistic support, scaffolding, Finnish basic education, immigrant students

Abstract

This paper sheds light on linguistic support concerning the language of schooling in multilingual classrooms in Finnish lower secondary education. We ask how the teachers consider knowing their students, what the needs in linguistic and academic support are, and how the needs are met. The data were collected from teachers in eight lower secondary schools in different parts of Finland. The findings show that the means to scaffold Finnish language learners are still in the development phase as there are no uniform ways to support students with an immigrant background in Finnish basic education.

Author Biographies

Raisa Harju-Autti, Faculty of Education and Culture, Tampere University

MA, University Instructor, Doctoral Researcher

Hanna-Maija Sinkkonen, Faculty of Education, University of Turku

PhD, Docent

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Published

2020-04-11

How to Cite

Harju-Autti, R., & Sinkkonen, H.-M. (2020). Supporting Finnish Language Learners in Basic Education: Teachers’ Views. International Journal of Multicultural Education, 22(1), 53–75.

Issue

Section

Articles (Peer-reviewed)