Erasmus + utbytesprogram för språköpedagoger med ledaruppgifter i Finland och Sverige

The project aimed to create networks between minority education programmes in Sweden and Finland that have similar characteristics. The network offers collegial support both within and between cou...

The project aimed to create networks between minority education programmes in Sweden and Finland that have similar characteristics. The network offers collegial support both within and between countries. The goal was also to develop structures and leadership and to share experiences of language-enhancing teaching methods. In addition, the project sought to raise the profile of minority education programmes and increase school leaders' professional pride.

The project consisted of five distance meetings preceded by distance assignments on various topics (Swedish-Finnish education, language -islands education, cross-border cooperation and networking, professional support, language-enhancing working methods, visibility). It also included two study trips to the respective countries. The study trips consisted of lectures, workshops, study visits, networking and local cultural activities. School leaders also had access to course literature and were able to participate in a language conference. The project provided the basis for a bilingual brochure on strengthening the language of study.

The project has provided knowledge and understanding of each country's minority language education and its distinctive features. The leaders have developed a bilateral network as well as national networks that have contributed to collegial support. Through language-island education, Swedish-Finnish education has gained good examples of how the Swedish-Finnish education field could be structured and cooperation increased. Some of the participants' units (daycare centres and schools) have developed continued bilateral cooperation at the student, teacher and leadership levels. Through the exchange of experiences, the leaders have gained concrete tips and tools for language-strengthening pedagogy, how minority education can be structured and made visible, and how to work to strengthen linguistic and cultural identity. During the project, all participants have been provided with all the material produced for the distance meetings. The entire project is also summarised in a written report that is widely distributed to all interested parties. The final product of the project is a bilingual brochure that supports the development of a strong school language. The brochure can be used in cooperation between home and school.