We wanted to share a summary of the article Supporting Neuroplasticity in Multilingual Learners by Sarah Said & Thamir Aljobori, which explores the importance of rigorous, culturally responsive instruction in fostering language development and critical thinking for multilingual learners.
Article Summary
Many assume that making instruction accessible for English learners means making it "easier," but true culturally responsive teaching challenges students while supporting their cognitive growth. Zaretta Hammond, in Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, emphasizes the need for independent learning, where students build resilience and problem-solving skills rather than becoming overly dependent on teacher support.
Key strategies include:
Encouraging productive struggle by balancing support with challenge, ensuring students engage with complex thinking.
Reconsidering student language output by moving beyond simple comprehension tasks and incorporating creativity, project-based learning, and STEM activities.
Embedding students' cultures into rigorous assignments to make learning relevant, engaging, and cognitively demanding.
By integrating these approaches, educators support neuroplasticity, helping multilingual learners strengthen both language proficiency and critical thinking skills.
Classroom Connections
To further explore how these ideas translate into classroom practice, we've created a Google Document with specific strategies for elementary, middle, and high school settings. You can access it here: Implementing Rigorous, Culturally Responsive Instruction for Multilingual Learners
NVTESOL is here to support you with more resources and professional learning opportunities. Stay connected with us for more strategies and updates tailored for Nevada educators!