A Longitudinal Qualitative Study of the Teaching of Greek as a Second Language in Western Australia under the “Seconded Teachers from Greece Scheme”

Abstract

The “Seconded Teachers from Greece Scheme” (STGS) has been operating in Australia since 1977. Its concern has been with the maintenance and promotion of the Greek language and culture through the secondment of teachers and the supply of material resources from Greece. However, there has been no substantial research to date on its progress in Western Australia (WA). The qualitative study that was undertaken for the degree of Doctor of Education from the University of Western Australia aimed to address this deficit. Specifically, the study aimed to generate theory regarding how the key stakeholders “dealt with” the curriculum for teaching Greek as a second language in WA under the STGS. It is this theory that will be the main focus of this paper. Mention will also be made of the implications of the study for the development of policy and practice, as well as for future research.