Equal opportunities and language
Language is the tool for learning and acquiring new knowledge. To ensure equal opportunities, it is necessary to optimise the pedagogical and educational provision in language education for pupils at risk. The question here is how teachers can effectively stimulate language performance of their pupils.
The language level of children in primary and secondary education has been declining for years. Especially for children growing up in an environment that is less rich in language. This is problematic because language skills are an important condition for participation in society. That is why we are investigating how we can support these children, both in their home environment and in their education.
Main research themes
The foundation for language development is laid in the home situation. Language develops in a language-rich home environment, where there is sufficient language provision and space for using language. We are investigating how we can effectively support families in this area so that children have a good start at school.
Children's educational opportunities can be improved by providing high-quality language education. Hence, we are investigating the question of how teachers can effectively boost language achievement of their pupils and what factors are important in this.
Our projects
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Intensification of VVE suppliers
Knowledge institutes & partners
We collaborate with various social partners in the region on this line of research:
How can we collaborate?
Collaboration is at the core of our research and consultancy work. Collaboration with partners from the field, such as schools, childcare organisations, libraries, consultancy firms, municipalities (local authorities) and province (regional authority). In addition, we collaborate closely with colleagues from other universities of applied sciences and research universities. We collaborate on the themes of VVE, Equal Opportunities and Language, and Personal Safety at School.
Would you like to collaborate on research? We always conduct research projects in collaboration with partners from the professional field. We investigate social issues that arise from practice.
Is there a need for professionalisation through in-service training? Based on our research, we offer refresher courses on current topics that are based on sound knowledge with theoretical depth. These courses enable schools to work on evidence-informed vision development and professionalisation.
Would you like to get in touch with other schools, the municipality or other experts? We have a large network and we would be delighted to help you on your way.
Would you like to collaborate with us? Please contact one of the researchers:
Cathy van Tuijl
Lector Early Child Education
dr. Ingrid Zijlstra
Senior lector/researcher
Simone Soomers
Lecturer/Researcher
Carlinda Boerdijk-Fuselier
Lecturer/Researcher
Young Child Expertise Centre
The Saxion Young Child Expertise Centre consists of a team of early childhood lecturers. It collaborates with the Early Childhood Education Research Group on quality development in early childhood education and care (0-7 years). We create learning networks where we collaborate and co-create, linking good practice with evidence. We also offer targeted and tailored training to support the development of professionals and organisations.