This research considers teachers’ opinions on modern foreign language teaching in the primary school, through questionnaires in two schools and interviews with four individuals. This study found that there were mixed opinions as to the importance of teaching modern foreign languages. Although time and subject knowledge were highlighted as barriers, the majority felt the provisions in place should be continued.
This study, conducted in England, with 15 primary teachers, has shown that there is not a unanimous belief that language teaching in the primary school is important, although the majority of participants felt there should be an entitlement to language learning. The participants also expressed concern about their own ability to teach languages, especially in terms of knowledge of (foreign) language(s). The teachers stated that greater access to resources and training were key factors in increasing their confidence in teaching language(s) in the classroom.
LEGG, K., 2013. An investigation into teachers’ attitudes towards the teaching of modern foreign languages in the primary school. International Journal of Primary, Elementary and Early Years Education, 41(1), pp. 55-62.