Title ‘Teacher’s perceptions and experiences of teaching EAL pupils in mainstream primary settings’. MA Education Works! Conference, 7th July 2016 College of Education Presenter: Sara Soriano Pla www.derby.ac.uk

The problem statement Great number of immigrant families with children who need to be educated and have little knowledge of English Key points to understand: Methods that teachers, schools and authorities follow to include EAL pupils in mainstream schools Strategies, materials and practices used Challenges Education gaps www.derby.ac.uk

Literature Contradictions on education policies Lack of EAL training for Teachers Pressures to meet the National Curriculum The essential role of Teacher Assistant Insufficient EAL funding and external help www.derby.ac.uk

Interviews Observations Methods Two schools with high percentage of EAL pupils and situated in deprived areas of Derby Seven school practitioners were interviewed One observation in each school was carried out Interviews Observations www.derby.ac.uk

Findings All the data collected was classified into six themes: Teacher training in EAL Background knowledge of EAL children Strategies and resources to teach EAL School resources and funding Biggest challenges Advantages and disadvantages of having EAL pupils www.derby.ac.uk

Findings Positives Negatives Both schools were experienced in teaching EAL pupils Great language and ethnicity diversity among the staff Excellent implementation of strategies and resources Negatives Insufficient EAL funding and little knowledge about the help provided by Local Authorities. EAL training is all about the experience gained over the years Lack of a Standardised initial assessment for the new EAL pupils Concerns about National Curriculum assessments (SATs) Challenges in setting up relations between schools and parents www.derby.ac.uk

Recommendations Further research is required to validate this study More bilingual and EAL professionals are needed More regular EAL training is necessary for teachers Revision of the funding provided to schools and how this is used by schools Cooperation between experienced and non-experienced schools Revision and modification of the National Curriculum assessments (SATs) Policies to be adapted to the educational reality   www.derby.ac.uk

Thank you all so much for your attention! Questions? Thank you all so much for your attention! www.derby.ac.uk

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