Mirjam Günther-van der Meij trained as an applied linguist and earned her PhD with a study on the English language proficiency of bilingual adolescents. Her research focuses on multilingualism and multilingual education, including regional and community languages, as well as low literacy and bilingual literacy development.
Professor Multilingualism & Literacy
Research areas:
In addition, Mirjam provides teaching and professional development programmes on multilingualism for the Academy of Teacher Education, schools and libraries. Her work centres on connecting research with everyday practice.
Since June 2024, Mirjam has been professor of applied sciences in Multilingualism & Literacy. The professorship gathers and studies the knowledge and experiences of professionals and students in the field of multilingualism and literacy, and offers practical tools and solutions for educational practice.
Professorship: Multilingualism & Literacy
The professorship explores how educational professionals can turn challenges such as linguistic diversity and demographic developments into opportunities, ensuring that all pupils have the best possible conditions to learn and grow. We work closely with schools and other partners in the field.
Projects
The project Skriuw it mar! focuses on Frisian writing education in the upper grades of secondary schools. The research consists of two parts: an exploration of the current state of Frisian writing instruction and a study on multilingual literacy.
Het 3M-project richt zich op leerkrachten in het basisonderwijs die meertaligheid wilden integreren in hun onderwijspraktijk. Onderzoekers en leerkrachten hebben samen activiteiten ontwikkeld om meer kansen met meertaligheid in de klas te benutten.
Het project richt zich op meertalige aanpakken in de context van voortgezet onderwijs in de tweetalige provincie Friesland.