APPLIED LINGUISTICS IN EDUCATION: BRIDGING THE GAP IN LITERACY AND TEACHER DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the role of applied linguistics in enhancing teacher development 
and student academic performance. It examines how linguistic theories, communication 
strategies, and multilingual education approaches contribute to improving literacy and teaching 
effectiveness. The study highlights the importance of discourse analysis, second language 
acquisition, and sociolinguistics in shaping educational methodologies. The data were obtained 
interview method with participants involving 10 language teachers, 5 educational policymakers, 
and 10 students. The setting in classroom discourse analysis involved observation conducted in 
multilingual classrooms at the secondary level; for analysis focus, there were teacher-student 
interactions, code-switching, questioning techniques, and student engagement levels; and 
participants in the Focus Group Discussions are groups of students from diverse linguistic 
backgrounds discussing their experiences in a multilingual learning environment. Findings 
support the view that integrating applied linguistics into teacher training programs can lead to 
improved instructional practices, enhanced language comprehension among students, and better 
classroom communication. The educational policymakers should seriously incorporate linguistic 
insights into professional development frameworks to ensure inclusive and effective teaching.