Multilingualism and multiliteracy: raising learning outcomes in challenging contexts in primary schools across India; MultiLiLa

The Multilingualism and Multiliteracy (MultiLiLa) project was a four-year research study (2016-2020) led by the University of Cambridge and a consortium of Indian and UK partners including the British Council. The project aimed to identify whether or not children who learn through the medium of a language which is not the same as their home languages have different levels of learning outcomes than those children whose home and school languages are the same. Data was collected in Delhi, Patna and Hyderabad, from children in Standards IV and V. A total of 2500 children were assessed on their literacy, numeracy and cognitive skills. Classroom observations were also done in their schools to explore teaching practices and how languages are used during English and mathematics lessons. This report outlines the findings from the research study.