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½¿É«µ¼º½ celebrates 10 years of the ½¿É«µ¼º½ Blog

2025 marks 10 years of the ½¿É«µ¼º½ Blog, and we’re so proud of all that it has accomplished! Thank you to all those who have contributed to the Blog, whether as authors, editors, or readers. The...

Why going ‘local’ could be the future of primary language learning in Scotland (and beyond!)

Scotland’s ‘1+2 languages’ policy, introduced in 2012, reflects the growing global need for multilingualism. It introduced learning a second language (L2) from age five and a third language...

Thinking critically about critical thinking: Overturning the deficit view of international students in UK universities 

In December 2024, BBC News online ran a story with the headline ‘Universities enrolling foreign students with poor English’. The article’s authors claim that universities are lowering...

Documenting and dismantling language ideologies in education

10 years of the ½¿É«µ¼º½ Blog

Over the past few years, I have carried out extensive fieldwork in secondary schools in England, where my focus has been the beliefs about spoken language on display in classrooms, corridors and...

Developing biliteracy through a traditional, cross-linguistic pedagogical approach

Cross-linguistic pedagogy, which involves using multiple languages in classrooms to foster literacy development by providing a ‘bridge between languages,’ has recently gained significant...

Developing student teachers’ confidence to teach languages through an authentic microteaching exercise

Compulsory languages teaching for primary teachers in Scotland Following the introduction of the Scottish Government’s 1+2 language policy in 2012, all primary teachers in Scotland are expected...

10 years of the ½¿É«µ¼º½ Blog

This blog series celebrates one decade of the ½¿É«µ¼º½ Blog, as an important and growing space to explore current and varied issues and questions of concern to the education community. To mark this...

50@50 – A portrait of 50 years of educational research through 50 studies

As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, ½¿É«µ¼º½ has collected together a set of 50 landmark studies that have had a significant impact on educational policy, educational practice, research...

Evaluating English as a second language course accessibility and suitability for Hong Kong migrants in the UK

A significant portion of extant literature emphasises that advanced English proficiency is crucial for migrants’ integration into British society, enhancing neighbourhood belonging, life...

English as an additional language in schools: What are the Labour government’s priorities?

In this blog post I would like to raise a number of questions for the new government about English as an additional language in schools: What should the new Labour government do to reinstate...

Digital reading programme: Enhancing English language reading skills in public schools in China

Background English language has been the essential language for international communication in China. However, teaching English in China faces several challenges. One significant challenge faced...

Empowering nature and climate literacy: The role of educators in a changing world

Curriculum: Theory, policy and practice½¿É«µ¼º½ Conference 2024 and WERA Focal Meeting

Nature and climate literacy In our rapidly changing world, education is essential for equipping the next generation to address critical issues like climate change and the nature crisis. Educators...