1st Edition
Ecological Perspectives in Early Language Education Parent, Teacher, Peer, and Child Agency in Interaction
This book presents ecological perspectives towards early language education that conceptualise the phenomenon of interactions between child language-based agency, teachers’ agency, peers’ agency and parents’ agency, consequently furthering insights into the lives of young children growing up in multilingual homes.
Drawing on rich empirical research evidence, the book explores teachers’ and family strategies and practices aimed at enhancing children’s interest in home language maintenance and enrichment as well as in the novel language learning. It defines early language education as the education of children up to the age of 6 and considers international evidence of children’s language from diverse sociolinguistic backgrounds and indigenous, endangered, heritage, regional, minority, majority, and marginalized languages, as well as foreign and second languages in education at home and out-of-home settings. It claims that only through collaboration between teachers, families, peers, and close environment, can the child be engaged in early language learning and fully experience his or her potential to act as agent in a novel language learning.
The book will be of great interest to researchers, academics, and postgraduate students in the fields of language education, multilingualism, applied linguistics, and early childhood education. Practitioners in these fields may also find the volume a valuable resource.
Introduction: Ecological perspectives in early language education: Parent, teacher, peer, and child agency in interaction
Chapter 1. Major theoretical perspectives
Chapter 2. Contextual diversity in early language education
Chapter 3. Parents’ agency in interaction with children and teachers
Chapter 4. Teachers’ agency
Chapter 5. Child’s language-based agency in interactions in preschool environment
Chapter 6. Language-conducive context
Concluding remarks and the way forward
Biography
Mila Schwartz is professor in language and education, and head of research authority, Oranim Academic College of Education, Israel.
"Mila Schwarz's groundbreaking book, Ecological Perspectives in Early Language Education, stands as a unique and significant contribution to the field. Demonstrating unparalleled scholarship, Professor Schwarz seamlessly integrates the roles of parents, teachers, peers, and child agency in language interactions, providing a comprehensive understanding of the ecological dynamics at play. With an outstanding reputation in the field, Mila Schwarz combines clarity and rigour in her writing, making the complex subject matter accessible to a wide audience. This book will become an invaluable resource for scholars, educators, and practitioners alike. It will not only enrich their perspectives but also inform their practices. Ecological Perspectives in Early Language Education is a testament to Mila Schwarz's expertise, making it a must-read for anyone passionate about fostering language development in the early years."
- Dr Susana Eisenchlas, Senior Lecturer in Linguistics/Applied Linguistics, Griffith University, Australia
"Ecological Perspectives in Early Language Education" offers groundbreaking insights that redefine our approach to language education for young children. Through a comprehensive journey spanning ecological theoretical frameworks to practical applications, this book delves into the role of parents, teachers, peers, and the learning environment to understand the pivotal agency of children in language interactions. Moving beyond conventional paradigms, this volume explores the complex relationship between context, agency, and language development. Its commitment to cultivating language-supportive environments and empowering actors to create optimal conditions for young language learners is a hallmark of the book.
This book isn't just an exploration; it's a manifesto for change, challenging existing paradigms and inviting a holistic reevaluation of how we nurture language development in multilingual homes, preschools, or communities.
The book is strongly recommended for anyone committed to redefining the landscape of early language education and empowering young minds to grow and thrive in a linguistically diverse world."
- Dr. Beatriz Cortina Pérez, Assoc. Professor, Dept. Languages and Literature Education Department, Universidad de Granada / University of Granada, Spain
"This timely, informative and masterful volume captures the wealth of the Author’s expert knowledge of early language education in multilingual settings. It provides a comprehensive overview of how agency is realised in contexts where divergent actors are involved. It is a must-read for researchers, students as well as practitioners in the field of applied sociolinguistics."
- Piotr Romanowski, University of Warsaw, Poland
"Mila Schwartz‘ book, Ecological Perspectives in Early Language Education is a significant contribution to the field of early language education and the interaction and collaboration between schools and multilingual families.
Professor Schwartz‘ innovative ecological approach towards multilingual children and the focus on child agency contributes to a growing field of research on early language education and provides practical guidance for teachers and other practitioners working in multilingual educational contexts. The book is an outstanding contribution to these areas."
- Hanna Ragnarsdóttir, Professor, University of Iceland
