Supporting Multilingual Language Learners In Your Classroom

There are many terms to talk about English language learning; ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), ELL (English Language Learning) and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) are just some examples. However, many language learners don’t fall into any of these categories. They’re not just learning English, but perhaps they’re learning (and speaking) multiple languages at the same time. For example, a student studying English at a language school may also have Chinese classes in their day-to-day school and speak Korean at home. These learners are called multilingual language learners, or MLLs. MLLs come from a range of cultural, educational and linguistic backgrounds. 

Let’s look at some ways of supporting multilingual learners in our classroom. 

The advantages of multilingual language learners

MLLs come from a range of cultural, educational and linguistic backgrounds. This means they have various experiences and skills they can share with other learners in the classroom. 

Research* shows that speaking more than one language enhances cognitive flexibility. This means these students are good at problem-solving, creative thinking, and multitasking—all of which we already encourage our students to develop in class. As the term MLL suggests, multilingual learners are good at learning additional languages and retaining knowledge.  

Multilingual learners often have a global perspective that can help engage learners in motivating and personalised classroom discussions. When multilingual students share information about their languages and cultures, they can help create a more inclusive and multicultural environment where all students learn about each other’s backgrounds.

The challenges multilingual language learners face

Interestingly, although a strength in some ways, language can also be a significant issue for MLLs. This may be demonstrated through spoken or written production activities. Imagine knowing multiple languages and different vocabulary and grammatical structures in each – I’d definitely get confused between my Spanish and German tenses or my Italian and French vocabulary! 

Another challenge for multilingual language learners may be cultural disconnect. The educational approaches and practices in their home countries might be different from how they’re learning English, which might cause some stress and anxiety.

Supporting multilingual language learners

There are many ways you can help your multilingual language learners succeed. 

1. Create an inclusive classroom environment

One of the most important things you can do as a teacher is to create a classroom culture that values and celebrates diversity. Encourage students to share their languages and cultural backgrounds. 

You can:

• celebrate different holidays 
• practise funny or difficult tongue twisters 
• learn about different cities and countries 
• incorporate multilingual resources into your lessons, such as books and posters in different languages. 

These sorts of activities help students to feel valued and teach them cultural awareness and respect for diversity.  

2. Use visuals and contextual cues

Visual aids can be incredibly helpful for all learners, not just multilingual learners. Use pictures, diagrams, presentations and videos to support the content you’re teaching. When giving instructions, break them into smaller steps and demonstrate them or give examples where possible. Multilingual language learners can often understand more than they can produce, so providing visual support helps them follow along even if their language skills are still developing.

3. Include opportunities for peer learning and teaching

Put multilingual language learners with stronger students in your class for pair or group work tasks. That way, students can explain tasks or instructions in a way that is less intimidating than direct teacher support.

You can also include tasks that allow students to work together to produce something, so they’re sharing their knowledge and learning from each other. 

4. Build on existing knowledge

As you probably already do in your lessons, it’s a good idea to build on what students already know. This can also help you to plan your lessons, as you’ll elicit information students know and be able to plan accordingly moving forward. 

5. Use L1 as a strength 

Let your multilingual learners know that their ability to speak more than one language is an asset. Research** shows that strong skills in a first language can help students acquire a second language more effectively. 

Have your students use their first language to guide and teach other students in the class. Sometimes, it’s engaging for other students to know what a word sounds like in a particular language, as they feel as though they are taking away something ‘extra’ from their language-learning classroom. Using L1 can also make students feel valued and included. 

Multilingual language learners bring valuable perspectives and skills to the classroom, but they also face challenges that require thoughtful support. Use these tips above to create an inclusive and respectful language learning classroom, where all learners can feel valued, and thrive on their English language learning journey. 

To learn more about using L1 in the English language classroom, read here. 

To learn more about bilingualism, read here. 

What other ways can teachers support multilingual learners?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. 

*Source: Cummins, J. (2000). Language, Power, and Pedagogy: Bilingual Children in the Crossfire. Clevedon, UK: Multilingual Matters

**Source: Garcia, O. (2009). Bilingual Education in the 21st Century: A Global Perspective. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.