Using evidence-based teaching practices is important for all learners, including multilingual learners, because it ensures that the instructional strategies and techniques used in the classroom are effective. We use the term evidence-based because these teaching practices are supported by empirical evidence and have been shown to improve learning outcomes for students.
Some strategies and interventions are appealing to teachers, especially if students seem to enjoy them, but when working with multilingual learners, evidence-based teaching practices are especially important since these learners have unique learning needs. They are learning new material and skills in a new language and, as a result, may struggle with aspects of learning such as understanding the lesson’s content, learning and retaining vocabulary words, and expressing their ideas in their second language.
All teaching with multilingual learners should have at it foundation a welcoming classroom environment. A positive and inclusive classroom environment is crucial to the academic success of multilingual students. This includes honoring their lived experiences, displaying cultural artifacts, and recognizing the value of different languages. Within an inclusive environment, the following evidence-based teaching practices can help teachers plan and deliver lessons that support multilingual learners in their content learning and language development.
- Use multimodal instructional materials: Supplement grade-level texts without “watering down” the material. Using a variety of instructional materials such as videos, images, audio, and interactive media can help to engage multilingual learners and promote deeper understanding. These materials serve as a scaffold to make sense of grade-level text.
2. Teach key vocabulary: Teaching key vocabulary is an effective way to support the learning of multilingual students. Studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between vocabulary knowledge and student achievement. It is therefore necessary to explicitly teach academic language and academic content vocabulary, including explicitly teaching words that are critical to understanding the subject matter. Perhaps as important, students need adequate opportunities to practice in using the words in context.
3. Connect to student background: Learning is more meaningful when it is relevant to students. Teachers use students’ cultural backgrounds and lived experiences to connect to lessons which can enhance student engagement and understanding. Using real- world examples that are relevant to students’ lives and experiences helps them see the relevance of what they are learning and make connections to their own lives. Also, make connections between English and the students’ home languages so that the relationship between the language they know and the one they are learning is clear. Point out cognates, ask students to translate words and sentences into their home language, and the like.
4. Use visuals: Using visuals such as pictures, diagrams, and videos can be an effective teaching strategy for multilingual learners. Visuals and multimedia help to provide context and promote understanding, regardless of the student’s level of proficiency in the language of instruction.
5. Provide clear instructions: Providing clear and concise instructions is essential for multilingual learners to understand what is expected of them. Instructions should be explained clearly and written for students to refer to as the lesson unfolds. Many multilingual learners may be reticent about asking for clarification, especially in front of the class, so it is incumbent upon the teacher to make sure the steps for completing work are clear, concise and posted for student to see.
6. Using probing questions or topics in discussion: A good idea for this type of approach is to open a discussion about a controversial topic. This is a great way to get all students alert and engaged. Make sure that all forms of responses are accepted (e.g., agree/disagree, short answers, and sketching an idea) because although multilingual learners are capable of thinking about higher order concepts and answering higher order questions, their expression may not match their level of thinking. We want to elicit what they think and know, not their level of English proficiency.
7. Provide opportunities for language practice: Providing multilingual learners with opportunities to practice their language skills can help them develop confidence and fluency in the language of instruction. This can be accomplished through activities such as group discussions, debates, and presentations. Also collaborative learning can be an effective strategy for multilingual learners as it encourages peer-to-peer learning and provides opportunities for language practice. Turn and talk is a common technique but there are innumerable ways to structure peer interaction so that partners work together to accomplish an academic task.
8. Use hands-on activities. Lessons should include multiple opportunities to use hands-on materials or manipulatives to learn and practice the content and should include activities for students to apply content and language knowledge in their learning. Hands-on activities and materials enable students to forge connections between abstract and concrete concepts. Students make these connections most effectively when they are engaged in activities that integrate all language skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
9. Keep the focus on the lesson’s content and language objectives: At the outset of the lesson, teachers orally share posted objectives for the lesson. The content objectives are often found in the text or are based on content standards. Language objectives make visible the language that will be learned or practiced during the lesson. Once the objectives are reviewed, teachers make sure that the lesson’s activities support those objectives. When students know what content and language to focus on – based on objectives – their attention is captured and keeps them more actively engaged.
10. Use a variety of assessment methods: Using a variety of assessment methods can help to accurately gauge the progress and understanding of multilingual learners. This includes both formal and informal assessment methods, such as classroom discussions, quizzes, and presentations. Throughout the lesson, and especially at the end, it is important to determine how well students have understood and have retained key vocabulary and content concepts.
Evidence-based teaching practices can help educators design instruction that is culturally responsive and relevant to the diverse backgrounds and experiences of multilingual learners. To ensure that these practices are present in all lessons, many educators use the the SIOP Model lesson planning and delivery framework which is teacher-friendly and has been shown to be effective in improving student achievement as well as English language development. By incorporating evidence-based teaching practices such as SIOP, educators can create a learning environment that supports multilingual learners’ academic success and fosters their engagement and motivation.