Supporting Multilingual Learners in Diverse Classrooms Course in Ireland

What is the Supporting Multilingual Learners in Diverse Classrooms Programme?

This Erasmus+ programme empowers teachers to confidently support learners from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Grounded in current best practice in English language teacher training, the course explores strategies for fostering inclusion, affirming cultural diversity in the classroom, and meeting the needs of multilingual learners at different proficiency levels.

Through interactive workshops, classroom simulations and collaborative tasks, participants develop practical tools to enhance teaching English to foreign students, manage multilingual classrooms, and create learning environments where all students feel valued and able to succeed.

Who is this Course Designed for? English Language Teachers, Subject Leaders & Educators

This programme is ideal for professionals working in multilingual or culturally diverse learning settings, including:

• English language teachers working with international or newly arrived students

• Subject teachers seeking to differentiate instruction in academically diverse classrooms

• EAL/ESOL specialists and support staff

• School leaders and coordinators responsible for inclusion, language policy, or intercultural initiatives

• Educators interested in strengthening their skills in multilingual support and inclusive pedagogies

Whether you are new to multilingual classrooms or an experienced practitioner wishing to refine your approach, this course provides research-informed, practical training that can be immediately applied in your teaching context.

Why Choose GCI? Benefits for Your English Language Diverse Classroom

Galway Cultural Institute is a trusted provider of teacher training courses in Ireland, combining academic rigour with a warm, international learning environment. By choosing GCI, you benefit from:

• Expert educators with extensive experience in teaching English in multilingual classrooms and supporting diverse learner groups

• Hands-on teaching strategies that help you respond effectively to mixed-ability groups and linguistic diversity

• A focus on intercultural competence, enabling you to affirm diversity in the classroom with confidence

• Practical guidance for adapting materials, assessments, and lesson plans

• Professional networking opportunities with educators from across Europe and beyond

The programme equips you with both the theoretical foundations and the classroom-ready tools needed to create an inclusive, high-performing learning environment.

Curriculum & Practical Outcomes: Strategies for Inclusion

The curriculum blends theory, reflective practice, and hands-on techniques to help educators navigate the realities of linguistically rich and culturally diverse classrooms. Participants explore how linguistic and cultural diversity shapes learning, and they examine the challenges and opportunities that arise when teaching English to foreign students or working in academically diverse environments. Throughout the course, teachers learn how to differentiate instruction effectively, structure both language and content, and design learning experiences that empower multilingual learners at varying proficiency levels.

A key element of the programme is the development of culturally responsive lessons that affirm students’ identities and promote a sense of belonging. Participants also practice assessment techniques to be able to monitor progress across languages, as well as collaborative approaches that encourage peer learning and inclusive classroom participation.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to communicate more effectively with multilingual learners, design inclusive tasks that promote language development, manage diverse classroom dynamics, and apply practical strategies that enhance learning outcomes for students from a wide range of linguistic backgrounds.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

What specific teaching methodologies will be covered (e.g., CLIL, differentiation)?

The programme introduces participants to a range of methodologies commonly used in multilingual and culturally diverse classrooms. These include CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), task-based learning, differentiation strategies for mixed-ability groups, techniques for language and content, and approaches inspired by Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Throughout the course, teachers explore how these methods can be adapted to support English language development, promote inclusion, and enhance learner engagement.

What networking opportunities are provided with international educators?

Participants join a vibrant community of educators from across Europe and beyond. Networking is built naturally into the programme through group discussion, cultural activities, and social events. These opportunities allow teachers to exchange best practices, share classroom challenges, and form lasting professional connections within an international context. Many participants continue collaborating long after the course ends.

What does the programme fee cover?

The programme fee includes tuition, course materials, access to GCI facilities, and participation in scheduled cultural or social activities (subject to availability, extra fees might apply for some). It also covers administrative support, guidance for Erasmus+ documentation, and a Certificate of Attendance that meets Erasmus+ mobility requirements. Accommodation and meals are not included unless arranged as part of an optional package.

Which Erasmus+ funding categories should I apply for?

Participants should apply under Erasmus+ Key Action 1 (KA1): Learning Mobility of Individuals, specifically within the School Education or Adult Education staff mobility categories, depending on the type of institution. These categories cover professional development courses, such as teacher training and staff upskilling programmes delivered at GCI.

What is GCI's Organisation ID (OID)?

GCI’s Organisation ID (OID) is E10195409. This ID is required when submitting your school or institution’s Erasmus+ grant application.

Related Courses & Programmes at GCI

Enhance your professional development further by exploring related programmes at Galway Cultural Institute:

English Teacher Training Erasmus+ Courses – A full range of specialist development programmes for educators participating in Erasmus+ mobility.

General English Courses - Ideal for improving overall fluency, accuracy, and communication skills alongside your pedagogical training.

Academic English Programmes – Strengthen your academic writing, research communication, and presentation skills for professional or university contexts.

Tailored English Programmes – Customisable training for institutions seeking bespoke teacher development or English for specific purposes.