Why we need more linguists in schools | Maria Arche | TEDxUniversityofGreenwich

TL;DR

Language plays a significant role in education, and it is crucial to address language difficulties in order to support students' learning and engagement.

Transcript

I don't know if you know that when one gets the invitation and accepts the invitation to do a tedex talk the Ted team sends them a full information package uh with details about how the event is going to develop how to prepare the talk how to deliver the talk and they include a quite important body of detail about the importance of the spoken word ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖐️ Language is a powerful tool that plays a crucial role in education, conveying information, inspiring ideas, and engaging audiences.
• 🧑‍🎓 Language difficulties can act as barriers to learning, hindering students' ability to understand and engage with educational content.
• 🧑‍🎓 Approximately 10% of the world's population, including students, have language difficulties or specific language impairment.
• 🖤 Lack of awareness, incomplete knowledge, and inadequate policies contribute to the under-identification and support of students with language difficulties.
• 👨‍⚖️ Language difficulties can have long-term consequences, including academic struggles and involvement in the criminal justice system.
• 🤨 Policymakers and politicians need to prioritize language support in education systems and raise awareness about the importance of addressing language difficulties.
• 😤 Comprehensive policies and multidisciplinary teams, including linguists, are necessary to identify and support students with language difficulties.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does language impact students' ability to learn?

Language is the gateway to engaging with the world and making sense of information. Language difficulties can hinder students' understanding of content and impede their ability to learn effectively.

Q: What are specific language impairments?

Specific language impairments or developmental language disorders are not speech impediments and are unrelated to IQ. They are about language functioning, where individuals may have difficulties expressing themselves or understanding complex language structures.

Q: Why is the under-identification of language difficulties alarming?

The failure to identify language difficulties means that students do not receive the necessary support they need in education. This can result in academic struggles, disengagement, and even involvement in the criminal justice system.

Q: How can policymakers and politicians address language difficulties in education?

It is crucial for policymakers to prioritize language support in education systems, raise awareness about language difficulties, and ensure that comprehensive policies are in place to identify and support students with these challenges.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Language is a powerful tool for conveying information, inspiring ideas, and engaging audiences.

• Language difficulties can act as barriers to learning, hindering students' ability to understand and engage with the content.

• Approximately 10% of the world's population, including students, have language difficulties or specific language impairment.

• Lack of awareness, incomplete knowledge, and inadequate policies contribute to the under-identification and support of students with language difficulties.