This week I have been asked the following questions: “How can teachers maximize engagement among multilingual students?” and “What are some effective ways to integrate multilingual instructional strategies into classrooms?”
Cummins (2019) says that using different languages from students in the classroom helps engage students from the multilingual background. This is apparent because students will have more familiarity with the school, and this may lead to other students wanting to learn the languages. So, engagement with the language would be the best way for multilingual students to become engaged.
The article suggests many effective ways to integrate multilingual instruction into the classroom like books with the languages of students alongside the other languages, parents coming into the classroom, and having the student write stories in multiple languages (Cummins, 2019). I know there are many other things teachers could do that are similar, but different from Cummins’ suggestion. From the article’s inspiration, for Film Class (in a high school or middle-year setting), students can create movies together. This would allow for characters to speak different languages but also learn the other language through communicating and writing captions while also meeting other outcomes. This would be similar to assignments to write poetry or songs. The important part is for students to “view themselves as talented and accomplished speakers of multiple languages … rather than feeling limited” (Cummins, 2019). To extend this, students can make menus of restaurants — fake restaurants of course. This menu will allow students to use multiple languages when creating it, and menu creation will also allow exploration into others’ interests and cultures.
There are many ways to integrate multilingual instruction into classrooms, and there is no singular way to do this. Integration is all about encouraging the use of multiple languages, especially for multilingual learners. As Cummins says, these skills are “valuable in our increasingly multicultural and interconnected world” (2019). Let us encourage the use of multiple languages in instruction and assignments. Just like any other skill, we should encourage students to play to their abilities and strengths.
Maximizing engagement is simple in nature. Getting to know students is also getting to know their language because it is a part of their interests and personality. Encouraging the use of multiple languages to express different emotions and feelings can be good, especially since some languages have words that do not translate easily. This can be used by teachers, students, and parents that come into the classroom. This would be similar to the idea of having students share new words from a language (Cummins, 2019). This not only allows exploration of language, but also in a public space, it increases public speaking and demonstrates more pathways of knowledge.
Reference
Cummins, Jim. (2019, February 21). “How Can Teachers Maximize Engagement among Multilingual Students?: Inclusive learning strategies and programs for your classroom.” EdCan Network. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.edcan.ca/articles/multilingual-students/
3 Comments
Alexis Klein · March 24, 2023 at 8:48 pm
I appreciate you saying that we should encourage students to use their unique skills! Often times teachers or other influential adults encourage children to “do it their way”. How would you handle a situation where a student might not be able to communicate effectively in English? This was written very well, thank you for sharing!
-Alexis
Abdurrahman Muhammad Azam · March 30, 2023 at 8:51 pm
Hello Ethan. I enjoyed reading your insightful post regarding Multilingual Engagement: Language in the Classroom.
I found the first paragraph intriguing where you stated, “using different languages from students in the classroom helps engage students from the multilingual background. This is apparent because students will have more familiarity with the school, and this may lead to other students wanting to learn the languages. So, engagement with the language would be the best way for multilingual students to become engaged.” This passage piqued my interest because it shows the importance of inclusion.
Questions I would like to ask are: Do you plan on integrating Cummings’ teaching methods within your own classroom? Do you plan on building upon Cummings’ strategies?
Jaxxe Guerrero · April 12, 2023 at 11:11 pm
Hi Ethan! It’s great to see that you have a deep understanding of the importance of integrating multilingual instructional strategies into classrooms to engage and empower multilingual students. Your suggestion of creating movies or menus with multiple languages is a fantastic way to encourage students to use their language skills in creative and meaningful ways while also learning from each other’s cultures and experiences.
I agree with you that getting to know students and their languages is an essential part of maximizing engagement. Teachers should make an effort to learn and understand the different languages and cultures of their students to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. Encouraging the use of multiple languages not only allows students to feel more comfortable and confident but also helps them develop essential communication and interpersonal skills.
I’m curious about how teachers can ensure that all students in a multilingual classroom feel included and engaged, even if they do not speak multiple languages. Do you have any thoughts or strategies for how teachers can create an inclusive learning environment that supports all students, regardless of their language background?
Thank you!
-Jaxxe G.