Introductory Chapter
Early FL learning: Policies and teaching practices
Early foreign language learning: Policy issues in Europe
Reflecting on benefits of early foreign language learning
Early language teaching: modern educational approaches
Creating an authentic learning environment
Game Based learning: developing communication skills
Game Based learning: developing intercultural awareness and skills
Creating a multimodal/digital learning environment
Digital tools for early language learning
Digital stories for early language learning
Creating an alternative assessment context
Concluding remarks
References
Chapter 1
Pedagogical and teaching practices for young language learners: How it all started, some notes
Our study
Chapter 2
European language policy on early language learning: Investigating the Cypriot context
European Language Policy
Language Policy in Cyprus
The Cypriot Program of Early Foreign Language Learning
The Study
Rationale and purpose of the study
The participants
Instrument
Findings
Τeachers’ views on the “child” as a foreign language learner
The teachers’ practices within young learners’ classrooms
Concluding Remarks
References
Chapter 3
Context-sensitive pedagogical knowledge and skills: Beliefs and pedagogical practices of English language teachers in Serbia
Introduction
Background of the Study: Literature Review
Benefits and Challenges of an Early Start
Young Learner Characteristics and Language Teaching Practice
TEYL in Serbia: Policy and Practices
Primary FL Policy and Curriculum
Teacher Profile
Young Learner Profile
The Study
Methodology
Participants
Instrument
Procedure
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Limitations of the Study
Pedagogical Implications
Future Research Directions
References
Chapter 4
Early foreign language teaching in the spotlight of interculturalism: The Greek education context
Introduction
Theoretical Review
Early foreign language learning and the situation in Greece
Intercultural Competencies and EFLL
The study
Rationale of the study
Participants
Instrument
Findings
Teachers’ perspectives with regard to the “child” as a FL learner
Techniques implemented for the promotion of interculturalism in the young language learner classroom
Discussion & Conclusions
References
Chapter 5
Educational materials for teaching young learners: Experience from the Romanian context
Introduction
Literature Review
An overview to early foreign language learning
Benefits of early foreign language learning
Challenges related to early foreign language learning
The importance of educational materials in early foreign language learning
Early foreign language learning in South-Eastern Europe: the case of Romania
National Policy – Short Diachronical Overview
The Romanian education system and early foreign language learning
Questionnaire-based research
The aim of the study
Methodology
Description of the findings
Concluding Remarks
References
Chapter 6
Policy and practice of teaching English to young learners in Croatia Teacher perspective
Introduction
Context of the study: EELL in Croatia
Teachers of English to Young Learners in Croatia
National documents that regulate early FL instruction in Croatia
The study
Aims and research questions
Participants
Instrument and procedure
Results and discussion
Teacher perceptions of priority areas of YLs’ language development
Teacher perceptions of teaching approaches/activities frequently employed with YLs
Interaction of findings
Conclusions
References
Chapter 7
Teachers of YLL position themselves with regard to the early language learning context in Albania
Early foreign language learning
Benefits of early foreign language learning
Challenges related to early foreign language learning
Early foreign language learning in Albania
National Policy
Education System
Further important notes about the Early language learning in Albania
The study
Rationale and purpose of the study
Instrument
Participants
Personal and professional information
Research Findings
Perspectives on teaching behaviour within YLs’ classrooms
Perspectives on materials-use for students’ early language learning
Assessing language in the YLs’ classrooms
Perspectives on Intercultural Learning within YLs’ classrooms
Discussion
References
Chapter 8
A reflective account of the young language learners’ teaching practices in SE Europe
Concluding Remarks
Appendix
Teaching Young Language Learners
Background Information
Perspectives on Teaching Behaviour within YLs’ classrooms
Perspectives on material-use for students’ early language learning
Assessing language in the YLs’ classrooms
Perspectives on Intercultural Learning within YLs’ classrooms
