Research Projects: Support and Development of Slovenian Language Instruction in the Border Region – Croatia
Code:
C3330-22-431004
Leader: Assoc. Prof. Barbara Riman, PhD
IES Project team: Sonja Novak-Lukanović, PhD Pia Fon Jager Ana Malnar
Funders: Ministry of Education, Science, and Sport of the Republic of Slovenia
Period: 1. 1. 2022 – 31. 12. 2022

Support and Development of Slovenian Language Instruction in the Border Region – Croatia

The year 2022 was marked by the consequences of various measures related to COVID-19, which also led to a decrease in the number of students learning the Slovenian language. The teaching structure was also reorganized, with one teacher taking over the work previously handled by six teachers. As a result, the following is expected:

  • easier communication with the teacher;
  • better cooperation with the Slovenian community in Croatia in general;
  • better communication and cooperation with education officials in Varaždin County;
  • a stable number of students, without major declines;
  • better informed INV and MIZŠ regarding developments on the ground.

To improve the quality of instruction and increase the number of students, the following would be necessary:

  • maintain and renew ties among Slovenian organizations in Croatia (Association of Slovenian Societies in Croatia), especially in Varaždin County, or to renew ties with the Slovenian association in Varaždin; a connection with representatives and councils of the Slovenian minority in the geographical areas where Slovenian language instruction is provided is also necessary, and we expect positive changes in 2023;
  • promote the Slovenian language and culture in Varaždin County with the aim of increasing the number of students who would enroll in the Slovenian language program; certain activities planned for 2023 are directly related to this;
  • improve cooperation between teaching staff employed in Croatian elementary schools where the project is being implemented and Slovenian language teachers in Varaždin County;

provide greater support to teachers in procuring teaching and didactic materials as well as Slovenian books for children and young people;. Despite promises made by Varaždin County in March 2022, the teacher has not yet received the necessary didactic materials. It is expected that, in cooperation with the Union of Slovenian Associations in Croatia, children will receive a certain number of necessary textbooks and copies of the workbook *Zakorakajmo v slovenščino* in 2023, which would then also facilitate the teacher’s work.

Report