Agency in community centres narrated by professionals

Oman äidinkielen opettajien yhteiskunnalliset tavoitteet ja yhteiskunnallinen toiminta

Authors

• Maija Yli-Jokipii Tampereen yliopisto
• Inkeri Rissanen Tampereen yliopisto https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2676-0169
• Elina Kuusisto Tampereen yliopisto https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5003-547X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33350/ka.130980

Keywords:

plurilingual students mother tongue teachers, civic purpose, civic activities

Abstract

This article explores the civic purpose of plurilingual students' mother tongue (PLMT) teachers from the perspectives of civic goals and civic activities. The study is based on interview data (N=20), which were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Teachers' civic goals were divided into two main categories: building an inclusive society and developing the structures of PLMT. A key theme that emerged was the teachers' desire to increase the understanding regarding society and opportunities for societal participation among Finns with immigrant backgrounds. The teachers engaged in civic activities in various ways: within the school community, at the municipal level, in associations, in party politics, and through academic publications. Overall, PLMT teachers demonstrate a relatively strong civic purpose.