Integrated Content and Language Learning as a New Challenge of Vocational Training. Experiences from Public Funded Qualification Programs in the Health Care Sector in Germany

Résumé

The growing need of professionals led to an increased transnational mobility in the health care sector within Europe. Integrating international nurses into the job market implies public funded qualification programs that train and certify necessary competences of the professionals. Being faced with the connected challenge of culturally and linguistically diverse groups within those qualification programs the described project “Integrated content and language learning (IFSL) in professional adaptation qualification – a job-related training for specialist trainers in the health care sector” customizes a train-the-trainer program to equip the trainers with skills to integrate the acquisition of vocational knowledge and related language skills at the same time. The article focus the results of the first step of the project, a multi-perspective needs assessment to identify challenges of trainers working in these programs. The needs assessment consisted of a systematic document analysis of curricula and concepts of 53 qualification programs as well as problem-centered qualitative interviews with experts, program coordinators and trainers working in this context. Results show a high diversity of programs, participants and their language deficiencies. Trainers’ challenges emphasize the need of skills to deal with the socio-cultural and linguistic heterogeneity of participants. The train-the-trainer program is adjusted to these needs and integrates a period of individual coaching but also team-teaching processes of participating vocational and language trainers. Implications show further organizational and qualificationally demands of (educational) institutions in this field.