Introduction and Description

Language diversity has become a defining feature of contemporary European education. Schools increasingly welcome learners with migrant backgrounds, newly arrived students, and pupils who navigate multiple languages in their everyday lives. While this diversity enriches learning communities, it also presents significant pedagogical challenges, particularly when learners’ limited proficiency in the language of schooling restricts access to the curriculum, assessment, and meaningful participation. This course responds directly to these challenges by equipping educators with inclusive, language-aware strategies applicable across subjects and educational levels.

Language Inclusion in Multilingual Classrooms is a structured Erasmus+ training course designed to strengthen teachers’ professional competences in supporting learners with limited language proficiency in equitable and academically rigorous ways. Grounded in inclusive education principles and aligned with European policy frameworks, the course promotes an asset-based understanding of multilingualism and challenges deficit perspectives that conflate language proficiency with ability or potential. Participants develop a deeper understanding of diverse learner profiles, including newly arrived students, learners with interrupted schooling, and pupils navigating complex linguistic and cultural transitions.

A core focus of the course is language-aware teaching across the curriculum. Participants learn to identify the hidden language demands embedded in different subjects and to design lessons that integrate content and language objectives. Emphasis is placed on scaffolding strategies, structured classroom interaction, and the use of visual and multimodal supports that enhance comprehension and participation without lowering expectations. The strategic and ethical use of learners’ home languages is explored as a resource for learning, identity, and inclusion.

The course places strong emphasis on inclusive assessment practices, in line with the Erasmus+ priority of social inclusion and equity. Participants examine formative, alternative, and performance-based assessment approaches that allow learners to demonstrate understanding in multiple ways. Particular attention is given to separating assessment of content knowledge from language proficiency, designing appropriate accommodations, and providing feedback that supports both academic learning and language development.

The programme also contributes to Erasmus+ priorities related to quality education, digital transformation, and participation in democratic and inclusive societies by promoting reflective practice, collaboration among teachers, and the creation of inclusive school cultures. Through practical workshops, collaborative design tasks, and action planning, participants develop concrete strategies that can be sustainably implemented in their schools.

Both 5-day and 10-day versions of the course are available, allowing institutions to choose an intensive or extended format depending on their professional development needs. In both formats, the course supports teachers in strengthening inclusive practice, enhancing learner participation and achievement, and contributing to more equitable and linguistically responsive European education systems.