Key points:
- All students are mathematical language learners, regardless of their home language
- Prepare the metacognition and integration of AI for Ells
- How to take care of multilingual learners in stem
- For more news on language learners, visit the ESNs Innovative education hub
Mathematics are not only figures. It is also the language.
Many mathematical tasks involve reading, writing, speech and listening. These language requests can be particularly difficult for students whose main language is not English.
There are many ways in which teachers can fill linguistic barriers for multilingual learners (MLS) while making mathematics more accessible and engaging for all learners. Here are some:
1 and 1 Present and strengthen the academic language
Like many disciplines, mathematics have its own language. He has specialized terms – as numerator,, divisor,, polynomialAnd coefficient– that students do not meet outside the class. Mathematics also include daily words with several meanings, such as product,, plane,, odd,, even,, square,, degree, And mean.
A way to help students build the necessary vocabulary for each lesson is to identify and highlight the key terms that could be new to them. Write the terms on a whiteboard. Publish the terms on mathematical walls. Ask students to record them in mathematical vocabulary notebooks that they can reference throughout the year. Conduct a practical activity that provides a context for the vocabulary that students learn. Strengthen the terms by asking students to draw photos of them in their notebooks or use them in conversations during group work.
Helping students to learn to speak with skills in mathematics today will pay dividends (another word with several meanings!) For the years to come.
2. Incorporate visual aid
Visual and multimedia Improve the acquisition and commitment of the English language of MLS. Photo cards, for example, are a useful tool for developing students' vocabulary skills in group work, twinned or independent. Many digital platforms include ready-to-use online cards as well as resources to create photo cards and spreadsheets.
Visual aid Also help MLS understand and remember content. AIDS such as photographs, videos, animations, drawings, diagrams, graphics and graphics help make abstract ideas concrete. They connect concepts to the daily world and to the experiences of students and to previous knowledge, which helps to promote understanding.
Even physical actions such as hand gestures, modeling the use of a tool or the display of work samples alongside verbal explanations and instructions can give students the clarity necessary to combat mathematical tasks.
3. Use digital tools
A key advantage of digital mathematics tools is that they make mathematics accessible. Many ML may feel more comfortable with digital mathematics platforms, as they can train independently without worrying about taking additional time or giving the wrong answer to their peers.
Digital platforms also offer integrated language supports and accessibility features for various learners. Features such as text available, adjustable speaking rates, digital glossaries and closed subtitling improve mathematics and strengthen literacy skills.
4. Encourage practical learning
Practical learning gives life to mathematics. Mathematics manipulators allow MLS to “touch” mathematics, deepening their understanding. Physical and digital manipulators – such as block blocks, dice, spinners, basic blocks of ten and algebra tiles – students have learned to explore and interact with mathematical ideas and discover the wonders of mathematics in the world around them.
A lot Course modelsSurveys based on survey, explorations and practical activities, and simulations also help students connect abstract concepts and real scenarios.
Sims PhetFor example, create a game environment where students learn mathematics through exploration and discovery. In addition to treating mathematical concepts and applications, these free simulations offer linguistic translations and inclusive features such as voice and interactive descriptions.
Whether students make mathematics by manipulating equipment in their hands or their devices, practical explorations encourage students to experiment, prediction and find solutions by trials and errors. This not only promotes critical thinking, but also helps to strengthen confidence and perseverance.
5. Use the language of the student house as a support
Research suggests that students domestic languages can also be educational resources.
In American public schools, Spanish is most often reported house places students learning English. More than 75% of learners in English speak Spanish at home. To help schools integrate the language of students in class, some digital platforms offer content and support for the program in English and Spanish. Some even offer the possibility of switching from English to Spanish by clicking on a button.
In addition, artificial intelligence and online translation tools can translate lesson equipment into several languages.
6. Create verbal scaffolding
To answer mathematical questions, MLS must understand the answers and how to formulate their answers in English. Verbal scaffolding such as Phrase phrase frames can lighten the cognitive load By giving students a starting point to answer questions or express their ideas. In this way, students can focus on the content of the lessons rather than having to spend additional mental energy to understand how to train their answers.
Phrase frames are often useful for students with a starting level of master's degree in English.
- A square has sides.
- An isocele triangle has at least equal angles.
Phrase stems (alias the phrase starters) help students advance their thoughts so that they can give an answer or participate in a discussion.
- The reason I noticed was .
- My answer is . I understood it by .
Whether online or on paper, these sentences and sentences to fill in white help students explain their reflection orally or in writing. These scaffolding also support the development of academic languages by showing key terms in context and offering opportunities to use new vocabulary words.
Make mathematics welcoming for all
All students are mathematical language learners. Whatever their home language, each student should feel like their math class is a place to learn, participate, contribute and grow. With the right strategies and tools, teachers can effectively support MLS while maintaining the rigor of grade level content and making mathematics more accessible and engaging for all.
