2023

Mustonen, Sanna; Kronholm, Sirkku; Suni, Minna

While student diversity is increasing, it is crucial for teachers to be aware of how to recognize the importance and potential of the language background and existing skills that their students bring with them. This article presents some research findings and data excerpts on how these are reflected in the learners’ opportunities for participation in interaction and various activities in learning communities. The theoretical framework consists of ecological and usage-based approaches that have served as a basis for pedagogies that center multilingual repertoires, language awareness and social interaction at the core of language learning. The perspective adopted in the article is primarily that of individual learners who are learning Finnish as their second language. Some future prospects in the field of language education are also discussed with regard to the increasing student diversity and the need for ensuring equitable language learning opportunities for all.