Feb 19 • 19:15 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia ERR

According to teachers, there are several obstacles to language teaching in the Defence Forces

Teachers highlight various challenges in teaching Estonian language to conscripts in the Defence Forces, arguing that language instruction is not part of the military's core responsibilities.

Teachers of Estonian language for conscripts in the Defence Forces have pointed out significant obstacles that hinder effective language education. They argue that the military's primary focus does not encompass language instruction, which leads to challenges in meeting the linguistic needs of soldiers. As a new directive will come into effect next year, aiming for conscripts to achieve a B-1 language proficiency level, educators recommend intensive courses for those with weak language skills to bridge the gap.

One of the key issues raised by the language teachers is the lack of communication regarding the soldiers' activities. Anu Kihulane, an Estonian language instructor, emphasized that she often finds herself in the dark about the soldiers' schedules, stating that she travels long distances only to face uncertain teaching conditions. This lack of coordination detracts from her ability to provide effective instruction, creating a barrier to successful language acquisition in a military context.

Additionally, teachers have expressed concerns over the availability of teaching resources on military bases. The absence of internet connectivity, such as routers, has been cited as a significant drawback, which they connect to security issues within military installations. Despite understanding the security rationale, the teachers argue that without essential tools and resources, it is difficult to engage effectively with soldiers and address their immediate language learning needs, thus undermining the overall educational objectives in the Defence Forces.

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