Using linguistic mediation to promote equity in bilingual classrooms

What is it about?

Linguistic mediation is a teaching tool that helps learners develop intercultural skills, and it has become central in foreign and second language teaching. The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) proposes action-oriented language activities that take place both in the classroom and in everyday social settings. This chapter explains how mediation combines receptive, productive and interactive skills with abilities such as reaching agreement and recognising cultural differences, and how it can be applied in the bilingual education classroom.

Featured Image

Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

Why is it important?

In an increasingly global, multicultural and multilingual world, mediation is part of daily life. Mediation strategies and activities can help build relationships between students, support learning and promote equity and social change in the classroom. Given the lack of teacher training and research in this area, the chapter seeks to address some of the shortcomings in how mediation is currently dealt with.

Perspectives