Release of Languages National Project Reports

The Department of Education, Science and Training have released two reports: “Investigation of the State and Nature of Languages in Australian Schools” and “Review of Teacher Education for Languages Teachers”.

“Investigation of the State and Nature of Languages in Australian Schools”

This report builds on previous research to generate a comprehensive national picture of languages education and recommends strategies to increase effectiveness of quality of school-based languages programs.  It particularly investigates:

• the current state and territory languages policies and curriculum frameworks, modes of delivery, and teacher supply and demand;
• how policies respond to issues of mandatory language study, choice, continuity, and workforce planning; and
• the roles of and interrelationships between mainstream and complementary language providers in each state and territory.

The investigation is based on a literature review and document analysis; a quantitative survey; interviews and focus groups; and qualitative data.

The report provides a foundation for future national initiatives to develop the quality and effectiveness of languages teaching and learning in Australian schools.

View entire report here.

“Review of Teacher Education for Languages Teachers”

This report produces a comprehensive national picture of the nature and effectiveness of teacher education and re-training opportunities for languages teachers.

The report:

• investigates course entry requirements, course content and structure for primary and secondary languages teachers;
• identifies structural impediments relating to the development of languages teachers’ linguistic and pedagogical competency; and
• explores the potential application of the Professional Standards for Accomplished Teaching of Languages and Cultures, developed by the Australian Federation of Modern Language Teachers (AFMLTA), in teacher education for languages teachers.

The report methodology included a literature review and document analysis; data collection and analysis; consultations with stakeholders and case studies of innovative practice.

This comprehensive report provides a basis for decision-making around future national initiatives to improve access to, and the quality of, preparation for primary and secondary languages teachers, including opportunities for retraining.

View entire report here.

They are now publicly available on the Department’s website.