This book provides an in-depth look on Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and Early Childhood Education (ECE), two domains where major joint research is needed. By taking stock on theoretical underpinnings, it explores the ideal conditions for early additional language acquisition in preschool contexts through CLIL with a learner-centered approach grounded in developmentally appropriate practices (DEP) and an emphasis on the importance of play, cognition, holistic content adaptation and social-emotional learning. The book also offers a comprehensive view of how this methodological approach has already set a clear path on Pre-primary education internationally. Finally, it offers insights into CLIL pedagogies as related and adapted to Pre-primary education, resources and materials for very young learners and practical implementation from the classroom. By providing a solid empirical background on Pre-primary CLIL, along with appropriate methodological issues and practices, this book serves as a key resource to students, practitioners, academics as well as teacher educators and policy-makers in international contexts.

In modern education, students and teaching methodologies face many challenges that hinder smooth development. The digital age presents students with information overload, impeding the cultivation of their critical thinking skills. Traditional language teaching methods must be revised to prepare students for the intricacies of a globalized, multilingual world. The rise in academic demands contributes to heightened stress levels among students. Despite the urgency of environmental challenges, educational systems need a cohesive focus on eco-conscious practices. The abrupt transition to virtual learning during crises has exposed challenges in adapting to and fully realizing the potential of virtual environments. These interrelated issues underscore the imperative for a comprehensive solution that aligns pedagogical practices with the demands of contemporary society. Educational Innovation to Address Complex Societal Challenges begins by dissecting pedagogical renewal and educational innovation, illustrating their expansive reach and adaptability in addressing the diverse educational challenges of our time. It emphasizes that these innovative elements extend beyond mere educational enhancements, presenting many opportunities to catalyze substantial societal change. A crucial aspect highlighted is the reciprocal relationship between educational practices and social reality, creating a symbiotic circle that adds meaning to the educational process.

This innovative collection explores transnational approaches to bilingual teacher education from different angles, unpacking the challenges and opportunities in contemporary global bilingual programs. The book offers a thorough account of transnational pedagogical research and best practice in bilingual and second language education to advance bilingual and content and language integrated learning (CLIL) teacher education programs across international contexts, including Australia, Mexico, the United States, the United Kingdom, and around Europe. The book offers a window into better understanding issues around research outcomes on bilingual education professional development models adaptable for diverse settings, translanguaging pedagogy, creative and multimodal tools, and methodological strategies. The book also examines the challenges involved in plurilingual classrooms and formal and informal bilingual education in urban and rural areas. Influenced by the demands raised by the pandemic, some chapters discuss integrated frameworks for hybrid language learning in distance education. This volume will be of interest to students and scholars in bilingual teacher education, bilingual and second language education, and CLIL.

This book presents ecological perspectives towards early language education that conceptualise the phenomenon of interactions between child language-based agency, teachers’ agency, peers’ agency and parents’ agency, consequently furthering insights into the lives of young children growing up in multilingual homes. Drawing on rich empirical research evidence, the book explores teachers’ and family strategies and practices aimed at enhancing children’s interest in home language maintenance and enrichment as well as in the novel language learning. It defines early language education as the education of children up to the age of 6 and considers international evidence of children’s language from diverse sociolinguistic backgrounds and indigenous, endangered, heritage, regional, minority, majority, and marginalized languages, as well as foreign and second languages in education at home and out-of-home settings. It claims that only through collaboration between teachers, families, peers, and close environment, can the child be engaged in early language learning and fully experience his or her potential to act as agent in a novel language learning. The book will be of great interest to researchers, academics, and postgraduate students in the fields of language education, multilingualism, applied linguistics, and early childhood education. Practitioners in these fields may also find the volume a valuable resource.

Implementing bilingual and plurilingual education programs has ushered in a transformative era for educators worldwide. These programs have redefined teaching practices and thrust diversity into the spotlight as a central concern. During this paradigm shift, the need to cater to diverse students has become paramount, particularly in monolingual European contexts where bilingual and plurilingual instruction is often perceived as a formidable challenge, especially for learners with special needs. Inclusive Education in Bilingual and Plurilingual Programs assembles a compendium of international theoretical and practical contributions, shedding light on the intricate interplay between diversity and bilingual or plurilingual education. This book delves into the multifaceted realm of attention to diversity in education, where the focus is on tailoring teaching methods to the specific needs of students, encompassing differences in abilities, learning paces, and styles, which empowers students to acquire essential competencies and attain educational objectives at each stage of their academic journey. Secondly, it traverses the landscape of bilingual and plurilingual education, which has emerged in response to the societal, employment, and economic demands for language proficiency beyond one's mother tongue. This book is essential reading for many educational stakeholders engaged in bilingual or plurilingual education. Teachers at every educational level, along with teacher trainers at tertiary institutions, will find valuable insights for tailoring their pedagogical approaches to the unique needs of their students.

The book provides a comprehensive overview of international pedagogical approaches, research, innovation experiences, and best practices in bilingual and second language education to enhance bilingual teacher education programs. The book clearly outlines the need for an interdisciplinary and interconnected approach to effecting successful bilingual teacher education programs. Featuring practical examples from a wide range of geographic contexts throughout, the volume comprises diverse pedagogical approaches to bilingual and second language teacher education, bilingual and plurilingual education, storytelling, digital storytelling and digital technology, and content and language integrated learning (CLIL), including methodological strategies in bilingual education as well as quality standards in CLIL syllabus design assessment. The book concludes by reflecting on the lessons learned from research, and identifies future directions for bilingual education programs and bilingual teacher education. The volume will be of interest to students and scholars in bilingual and second language education, bilingual teacher education, CLIL, as well as educators and stakeholders in bilingual, CLIL, and English teacher education degree programs.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and bilingual education teachers face many challenges, including teaching in multilingual classrooms, addressing diverse learning needs, and engaging families and communities. These difficulties can make it challenging for new teachers to feel supported and to develop the skills needed to provide high-quality instruction to English Learners (ELs). The field also lacks professional development opportunities, creating a sense of isolation. Mentoring and Reflective Teachers in ESOL and Bilingual Education is a practical solution to these challenges. The book draws on expert educators' experiences to offer strategies and best practices that can be used to support new ESOL teachers' professional development. The book emphasizes the importance of collaboration, reflective practice, and ongoing professional development, offering concrete examples of how these practices can be implemented in real-world contexts. This comprehensive guide covers various professional activities that can help improve classroom instruction for ELs and encourage family and community involvement. Topics include mentoring in ESOL teacher education, professional development, and support for ESOL teachers, guided practice and professional growth of teachers of culturally and linguistically diverse learners, collaborative networks of ESOL teachers, building a community of reflective practice, and best practices in ESOL education. With this book, ESOL and bilingual education teachers can gain the support they need to provide high-quality instruction to ELs and build strong relationships with families and communities.