The introduction of foreign language learning in a state primary school

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate whether foreign language learning and teaching should be introduced in state primary schools. It examined the different attitudes and perceptions of various stakeholders towards the possible implementation of an additional language, apart from Maltese and English, at an early age. The research was carried out within two large state primary schools involving the Heads of school, eight class-teachers, pupils from eight classrooms and their parents. The age-group of children under study included the Year 5 and Year 6 classes of streams A and B of both schools. Questionnaires and interviews were designed to collect the data from the participants involved about the ideal age when such an introduction should be considered, and whether benefits are to be gained from teaching foreign languages to young learners. The children and parents expressed positive attitudes towards the possible introduction of a foreign language at an early age. Teachers and Heads were less optimistic about introducing a foreign language at an early age. Most of the stakeholders agree that foreign language instruction should start during the Secondary school years. Since the number of participants in the present study was limited to two large state schools, it was recommended that similar studies would be conducted involving more state schools in different areas of Malta.