Teaching Bilingual and Multilingual Learners: Series 1
This introductory series is the perfect starting point if you’re new to teaching bilingual and multilingual learners, or if you’re simply looking to refresh and update your knowledge. We’ll cover the essential foundations — the key principles, approaches, and classroom strategies that will help you support your learners effectively from day one.
Series 2 is on its way, so watch this space!
Episodes
Series 1 Episode 1: Introduction to Bilingualism in Schools
Duration: 9 minutes
Welcome to the first episode! In this introduction, we explore the scale of linguistic diversity in schools worldwide and introduce essential terminology for understanding bilingual and multilingual learners. Whether you’re a trainee teacher, new to the UK, or an experienced educator looking to refresh your knowledge, this series will help you teach multilingual students more effectively
Series 1 Episode 2: Not All EAL Learners Are the Same: Understanding Diversity
Duration: 10-12 minutes. In this episode, we explore why multilingual learners are not a homogeneous group. We present five dimensions of variation within multilingual populations and explain why understanding this diversity is essential for effective teaching, whether in the UK, US, Canada, Singapore, or elsewhere.
Series 1 Episode 3: When Are Languages Learned? Simultaneous vs. Sequential Bilingualism
Duration: 14 minutes. In this episode, we explore different types of bilingualism, focusing on the crucial distinction between simultaneous and sequential bilingualism. Understanding when languages are learned helps teachers better support their multilingual learners and implement effective translanguaging strategies.
Series 1 Episode 4: Additive vs. Subtractive Bilingualism – This Changes Everything
Duration: 10-12 minutes. In this episode, we explore one of the most important distinctions in bilingual education: additive versus subtractive bilingualism. What happens to a child’s first language as they learn the school language? Should it continue to grow — or is it replaced?
Series 1 Episode 5: Asset-Based Thinking – Changing How We See Bilingual Learners
Duration: 10-12 minutes. In this episode, we explore one of the most important mindset shifts in bilingual education: moving from deficit thinking to asset-based thinking.
What do we actually mean when we call a child an “EAL learner”? Are we seeing what they lack – or what they bring?
Series 1 Episode 6: All Teachers Are EAL Teachers – Your Role
Duration: 8 minutes. In this episode, we bring together the key themes from the first series, focusing on what they mean for you as a teacher. Knowing about bilingualism is one thing. But what does it actually look like in practice? What do you need, and what don’t you need, to teach bilingual and multilingual learners well?