Defying expectations: valuing the engagement and participation of practitioners with research. Insights from minority language education in Scotland

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper tackles the important question of practitioner engagement and is the first to present an overview of relevant Gaelic medium education (GME) research. Following the formal inception in 1985, GME is now more widely available across Scotland. An overview of GME is presented and situates provision within the other Celtic minority languages of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. While considerable achievements have been achieved in the provision of GME, it does mean that researchers have had a finite number of teachers to work with. Given the well-known difficulties of conducting research in applied settings, the noteworthy engagement and participation suggests Gaelic medium teachers are particularly eager to contribute and should be recognised when Gaelic is viewed internationally. The article ends with an outline of potential directions for future work and the scope of research needed to strengthen the developing body of research regarding GME.