Språkutveckling och didaktik i modersmålsundervisningen : En undersökning av modersmålslärares syn på sin undervisning och sitt ämne

Sammanfattning: All multilingual primary and secondary school pupils have the right to mother tongue instruction as language is essential in developing our identity, expressing our thoughts and emotions, and showcasing our knowledge and skills. The purpose of this qualitative study is to investigate the methods employed by mother tongue teachers to enhance the language development among their pupils and how they perceive mother tongue instruction as a school subject in relation to other subjects. The study takes a sociocultural theoretical perspective and is based on interviews with seven mother tongue teachers. The study’s results highlight the importance of mother tongue instruction as a basis for language development, identity formation and cultural preservation. The study provides an insight into the importance of mother tongue teaching, the didactic methods used by teachers to promote language development and the need for a greater prioritization of the school subject within the school curriculum as a way to promote multilingualism, increase intercultural understanding and contribute to a more inclusive and fair education system.The results of the study demonstrate that all interviewed teachers utilize various tools and resources to enhance students’ language development. This practice holds significance not only for the development of the mother tongue but also for reinforcing proficiency in the Swedish language. The range of learning resources encompasses textbooks, exercise books, whiteboards, digital tools, and letter cards. These methods underscore the importance of cultural and social contexts in language development, and play a crucial role in supporting students’ language development. Language is perceived as a tool for learning and knowledge advancement, wherein the mother tongue assumes a vital role in challenging students to formulate their understandings and critical thinking. Integrating current news and everyday contexts into education encourages students to engage in profound thinking and articulate their thoughts using their mother tongue. Moreover, the mother tongue is often juxtaposed with Swedish to enhance understanding and communication among individuals speaking different languages. This practice further strengthens students’ language competence and their ability to adapt to various linguistic and cultural environments.The teachers emphasize that every student is unique and operates at their own level. This necessitates that teachers understand and support each student individually. Teachers must adopt a positive and encouraging approach to foster students’ positive attitudes toward learning. Encouraging students to use their mother tongue and appreciating multilingualism as an asset is crucial. Teachers adapt their lecture planning based on the group’s composition and students’ diverse levels, aligning with the curriculum and individual student needs. However, challenges exist in accessing learning materials, leading teachers to create their own or utilize various internet sources. Assessments are conducted through written and oral tasks, allowing students to showcase their skills through essays, oral presentations, and discussions.The study highlights the critical role of mother tongue instruction for multilingual students, enhancing language development, self-esteem, and cultural knowledge. However, the lack of prioritization and low status of the mother tongue subject within the education system present a significant challenge. Teachers express dissatisfaction with this marginalization, emphasizing the need to prioritize mother tongue instruction as a key school subject. This prioritization would enable teachers to effectively promote language development, maximize students’ linguistic potential, and facilitate better integration into society. Research substantiates the challenges faced by teachers and the understanding that proficiency in the mother tongue enhances students’ performance across various subjects and aids societal integration. This underscores the importance of informed political decisions in shaping educational policies.