Empowering Multilingual Learners: The Impact of Culturally Responsive Teaching and Dual-Language Programs

Language development is a critical component of academic success for Multilingual Learners (MLs) at both elementary and secondary levels. These learners face unique challenges that require targeted and effective educational practices to ensure their full participation and achievement in the classroom.

This article explores the two top impactful practices that can significantly shift the language development and learning outcomes for MLs, drawing on current research and successful program implementations, including Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) with scaffolds for language, literacy and content learning; and bilingual programming, leveraging the first language of students.

Culturally Responsive Teaching and Scaffolds for Multilingual Learners

The principles of Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) and scaffolding techniques can be seamlessly intertwined to create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment for Multilingual Learners (MLs). All teachers need to recognize that MLs come from diverse cultural backgrounds, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives to the classroom. By incorporating these cultural references into their lessons, teachers can make the content more relatable and comprehensible for their students. For instance, during a History lesson on Immigration in the United States, teachers might encourage students to share their own family stories, fostering a connection between their personal experiences and the curriculum.

To further support their MLs, teachers might employ a variety of scaffolding techniques that helps students navigate new concepts based on their needs. Visual supports, such as images videos, graphic organizers and diagrams, can be prominently used to illustrate complex ideas, making them more accessible. During a science lesson on Ecosystems, a teacher can use a detailed chart that visually represents the food chain, helping students grasp the relationships between different organisms. These visual tools, combined with culturally relevant content, ensure that all students can follow along and engage with the material.

Teachers must also integrate modeling into their teaching, demonstrate the processes of tasks for different assignments and model language for students. On a writing assignment or task, teachers might model how to construct a descriptive paragraph, thinking aloud to explain their thought process. Then, they might provide sentence frames to guide students in expressing their ideas clearly. By breaking down the task and providing clear guidance, teachers can help their MLs build confidence and competence in their language skills, literacy skills and content learning across the curriculum. This method not only enhances MLs' understanding but also encourages them to take risks and experiment with language in a supportive environment.

Community engagement plays a crucial role for the teachers who are committed implementing effective culturally responsive practices for multilingual families. For example, teachers should regularly involve parents and community members in the educational process by creating a network of support for their students. This type of involvement helps bridge the gap between home and school, reinforcing the cultural relevance of the curriculum and fostering a sense of belonging among their students. By maintaining high expectations and providing the necessary scaffolds and support, teachers can ensure that their MLs feel valued and that their parents feel involved in the learning process with their children. This inclusive environment promotes the confidence and willingness for MLs to engage in language practice, ultimately leading to improved language proficiency and academic success.

Bilingual Programming for Multilingual Learners

Bilingual education programs are designed to provide instruction in both a student's native language and the target language, which is typically English. These programs aim to develop proficiency and literacy in both languages, allowing students to maintain their cultural identity while acquiring new linguistic skills. The structure of bilingual programs can vary, but they generally emphasize the importance of supporting students' native language as a foundation for learning English. This dual-language approach not only facilitates language development but also promotes academic success and cognitive growth.

There are several types of bilingual education programs, each with distinct goals and methods. Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) programs begin with instruction primarily in the native language, gradually increasing the use of English as students become more proficient in English. This approach helps students build a solid foundation in their first language, making it easier to learn English. Dual-Language Bilingual (DLB) programs, on the other hand, provide instruction in both languages throughout the students' education. These programs promote bilingualism and biliteracy, ensuring that students become proficient in both languages by the time they graduate. Additionally, it is important that DLB programs are intentional about how they are balancing the number of native language speakers in both languages.

For example one Dual-Language Bilingual (DLB) program that focuses on building bilingualism and biliteracy in both Spanish and English, created language and literacy rich experiences for all students that are learning their new target language, either English or Spanish, depending on the first language of students. A highly-skilled bilingual teacher in the program might begin her day with a morning meeting where students greet each other in both languages. This daily practice sets a welcoming tone and reinforces the bilingual nature of the classroom. During a reading lesson, the bilingual teacher might divide the class into small groups, mixing native Spanish speakers with native English speakers. This will ensure that students are able to read bilingual stories, discuss the plot and characters in both languages. This peer interaction not only enhances language skills but also builds cross-cultural friendships and understanding.

The highly-skilled bilingual teacher employs scaffolding techniques to support his MLs. When introducing a new math concept, he uses visual aids, such as colorful charts and manipulatives, to illustrate the steps. He might model problem-solving strategies in Spanish and then in English, ensuring all students can follow along. During a writing exercise, he might provide sentence frames in both languages to help students structure their thoughts. As the students work on their assignments, the teacher might intentionally circulate in the classroom, offering individualized support and encouragement for students. This DLB program’s structure, combined the teacher's culturally responsive teaching and effective scaffolding, creating an environment where MLs can thrive, becoming confident and proficient in both languages.

In the afternoon, the classroom could be transformed into a vibrant hub of interactive activities. Students might engage in a science experiment about plant growth, discussing their observations in Spanish and writing their conclusions in English. This effective bilingual teacher encourages them to use vocabulary words from both languages, reinforcing their bilingual skills. The classroom walls are adorned with student work, showcasing projects and essays in both Spanish and English. Additionally, the parents and community members feel welcomed and often visit to share their expertise or cultural traditions, further enriching the students' learning experiences. By the end of the school year, these students not only achieve academic success but also develop a deep appreciation for their own and each other’s cultural heritage, embodying the true spirit of the Dual-Language Bilingual program.

The benefits of bilingual education programs for Multilingual Learners (MLs) are significant. These programs support cognitive development by challenging students to think in multiple languages, enhancing their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Academic achievement is also bolstered, as students who receive instruction in their native language often perform better in other subject areas. This is especially true for the sustained learning and achievement of MLs in Dual-Language bilingual programs.

Furthermore, bilingual education helps maintain cultural identity, providing a sense of pride and connection to students' heritage. By offering a strong foundation in the students' native languages, these programs enable MLs to transfer linguistic and academic skills to English more effectively, leading to overall educational success.

The language development and learning outcomes of Multilingual Learners can be significantly enhanced through the implementation of impactful educational practices that includes Culturally Responsive Teaching with Learning Scaffolds as well as Bilingual Education Programs. By adopting these practices, educators can create a supportive and effective learning environment that empowers MLs to achieve academic success and develop strong language proficiency.

Learn More about Effective Practices to Effectively Engage Multilingual Learners (MLs) and Support Learning and the Academic Achievement of MLs by Listening to the Empower Your English Learners! Podcast.