Project for the successful integration of children and migrant pupils in the education system

The project for the successful integration of children and migrant pupils in the education system that was carried out by the Centre for Slovene as a Second/Foreign Language at the Department of Slovene Studies of the Faculty of Arts in Ljubljana, represents a start in the establishment of infrastructure for teaching Slovene as a second language for children and migrant pupils who are striving to become integrated in the Slovene primary and secondary education system, as well as offering their parents the possibility to learn Slovene.

The aim of the project was to enable migrant children and their parents to attain a greater capacity for communication in Slovene and in this way also more possibilities to achieve a successful education in Slovenian schools and better social integration.

Basic financial details

Value of the project: 240,764 EUR

Results achieved

• studies were carried out to ascertain the language needs of migrant pupils. A collection was made of their written and spoken texts which were the starting point for the preparation of courses, textbook material and teaching plans. Some test guidelines for keeping tabs on knowledge of Slovene gained by pupils in the Slovene course have been drawn up;
• plans for teaching Slovene were created which define the targets and content to be mastered by migrant pupils at the beginners level. The teaching plan for a Slovene course for foreign pupils was confirmed in June 2010 and is already in use while the teaching plan for a primary-school level Slovene course is awaiting confirmation;
• material for teaching Slovene as a second language has been prepared for different age groups, intended for children and migrant pupils who do not yet speak Slovene when they begin attending Slovenian schools and nurseries. In July 2010 we published graphic material entitled Pictures of Language, which consists of 1,882 word and picture cards. It helps pupils learn new words, forms of communication, illustrates grammar rules and generally helps with speaking and writing. Experimental material was also prepared for the teaching of Slovene as a second language at beginner’s level for pupils of different ages. Material for pre-school, preliterate children, pupils in the last three years of primary school and secondary school pupils is in the design phase before going to print;
• experimental Slovene courses for migrant children and their parents have been planned and implemented.

These were an attempt at implementing new forms of systematic teaching of Slovene as a second language. They were conducted in condensed form when the child entered the Slovene education system. We carried out 5 experimental courses for migrant children and their parents in Ljubljana and Kranj. They were attended by 222 people in total, 176 children and 46 parents. Both the school staff and the children and their parents recognised the course as a welcome help in learning Slovene and becoming integrated in school.