When we look to the research literature for direction on effective language
teaching and learning, we find two particular positions, from different fields of
knowledge within the wider language literature, which offer important insights
for inclusive and relevant classroom practice. The first position is drawn from
the field of language acquisition theory and research. It relates to how children
acquire communication and language skills and provides a basis for an inclusive
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view of language acquisition and development. This perspective provides critical
insights which can inform how teachers assess the communicative competence
of the diverse groups of young language learners in schools and how they plan
for learning outcomes and choose appropriate teaching strategies. The second
position is drawn from research on language knowledge and school achievement
and identifies key areas of language development which should be the focus for
teaching and learning in primary schools. In terms of their primary focus, these
two positions address differing aspects of language acquisition and development.
However, they are compatible in their underlying principles and each can make a
critical contribution to informing curriculum content and pedagogy.