Valuing multilingualism
Here you will find videos of two webinars and a panel discussion from specialists in multilingual approaches. All sessions explore how you can use your learners' home languages, also referred to as L1s, as a valuable resource to help them learn. Our speakers offer inspiration for taking a multilingual approach and share effective strategies for using learners' home languages in class. The two webinars are followed by a panel discussion with expert teachers sharing tried-and-tested ideas for celebrating and taking advantage of the linguistic diversity in your classroom. The live event took place on Thursday 18 July 2024.
About the sessions
Session 1: L1 in the young learner classroom
Speaker:
Adrienn Szlapak (Malaysia)
Session information:
The workshop explores research supporting the notion that incorporating learners' L1s is an asset in language classrooms. We then delve into the practical aspects of L1 use, providing effective classroom management tips and addressing anticipated challenges. Viewers will gain ideas on how to integrate L1s to support English language development, and to effectively manage a multilingual classroom environment. Finally, we focus on pedagogical frameworks that embrace the use of L1s in the young learner language classroom.
Session 2: Multilingual lessons from my classes
Speaker:
Huma Hasna Riaz Ahmed (UAE)
Session information:
'No Arabic here, please.' 'Sorry, Spanish is not allowed here.' How often do we hear ourselves uttering such phrases to our learners? It isn't true that when one language is on, the others are off. The concept of multilingual teaching challenges this notion. In my classroom I have witnessed the positive impact of this approach on my lower-level adult learners. In this webinar I share my classroom experiences and practical multilingual teaching ideas adaptable to various contexts. I also present strategies for incorporating home languages to facilitate language learning.
Session 3: How can we celebrate multilingualism in our classes? (panel discussion)
Speakers: Andrea Collados (Argentina), Chathuska Undugoda (UK), Guilherme Meira (Brazil)
Session information:
Three teachers from around the world discuss issues and activities related to teaching multilingual classes and/or using L1 in the classroom. Learn practical tips for your classrooms.
About the speakers
Adrienn Szlapak is an experienced EAL/ESL specialist, who is also involved in teacher training and academic management. She holds an MA in Cognitive Linguistics, a Cambridge DELTA and a PGCE(i). She has been blogging about ESL and EAL both on her personal blog, ealdiaries.com, and on the IATEFL YLTSIG blog, where she is the current editor.
Huma Hasna Riaz Ahmed is a certified teacher, teacher mentor, materials writer, e-moderator and examiner from India, who has donned many hats for the British Council for over 14 years. She has worked in India, England and now the UAE. Providing students with an authentic learning experience and a sense of progress is the main focus of Huma's lessons.
Andrea Collados is an English teacher in Argentina who has also taught in the USA, Andorra, China, Japan, Sudan and Germany. This helped her develop a more global and multicultural perspective of teaching. She has been awarded the English Teacher Empowerment Scholarship by Bridge Education Group.
Chathuska Undugoda has taught with the British Council since 2014 and has taught various levels, age groups and language courses online and face-to-face. Her research for a master's degree at Coventry University, UK, was based on 'Inclusive practices in ESOL classrooms with refugee and migrant students.'
Guilherme Meira is a language teacher and pedagogical coordinator in Brazil. He holds a CPE and a specialisation in bilingual education. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in applied linguistics (UFRGS). He is mainly interested in teachers' assessment literacy to improve teaching and learning.
Which ideas from the webinars will you try in your classes? Tell us in the comments below!