Inventory and analysis of professional development and models related to inclusiveness

The current study investigates Professional Development (PD) initiatives in Europe that are either focused on the topic of cultural and linguistic diversity and inclusiveness or that are considered promising regarding the PD approach that is used. PD initiatives were considered promising if they used an innovative approach in PD (such as team-based learning, professional learning communities, or ICT), were highly regarded among experts, had been implemented in a community for some time, or involved professionals working with hard-to-reach groups.

A total of 81 PD interventions are included in the inventory covering information collected in ten countries: Czech Republic, England, (Flemish) Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Portugal. Three main components of PD were investigated: (1) characteristics of the professionals and context, (2) the content and strategies and (3) delivery modes.

The results illustrate the importance of reflection as a useful PD strategy and of establishing a shared vision and common understanding on how to support children’s heritage language. Lastly, the findings reveal a role for ICT in PD in combination with face-to-face contact for in-depth reflection.