How Can Invention Education Improve Multilingual Instruction?

Students are incredibly perceptive. They notice the small glimmers in our daily experiences and pick up on subtle nuances that inform their sense of belonging. From the moment a multilingual child walks into a school, their first experiences and interactions with teachers and peers tell a story about whether their linguistic identity is seen as an inconvenience or an opportunity. Invention education supports the latter.

In 2021, 5.3 million English learners (ELs) made up over 10% of public school students. This demographic shift highlights the need for resources and instructional practices that view language as an expansive tool rather than a barrier for students. As educators strive to model inclusive classrooms, multilingual instruction is an important step toward achieving equity for multilingual learners (MLs) and ensuring that every student can realize their potential.

Building Best Practices for Multilingual Instruction

Whether they are learning about planets or plants, every child has a different entry point to education. As many teachers know, the background knowledge that a child has acquired in their first language is valuable. As educators welcome multilingual learners and their families, their attitudes about language are reflected in their instructional practices. So, how can teachers build best practices for multilingual instruction?

Practical, hands-on learning transcends language. As kids tinker and explore everything from the scientific properties in nature to the batteries inside a machine, K-6 students demonstrate that they enjoy the same kinds of activities, regardless of what language they speak at home. While public school teachers are not mandated to undergo professional development workshops to gain experience with multilingual instruction, many dedicated teachers have gained valuable experience as facilitators for programs like Camp Invention^®, where they apply invention education to support all students, including multilingual learners.

Visual Learning: Students are no strangers to the world of how-to videos. By incorporating multiple modalities, Camp Invention integrates visuals, videos and subtitles to make learning more accessible and versatile for all learners. Teachers also can turn on closed captions to help ML students build language familiarity.

Vocabulary: Camp Invention’s curriculum always includes a comprehensive glossary. Each module presents robust vocabulary words that inform the learning experience and essential skills that students explore. As Instructors help students clarify terms, students can advance their language acquisition while learning new concepts.

Representation: By highlighting diverse role models in STEM, educators can help students of all backgrounds thrive when they see themselves represented. Directly inspired and informed by National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees, Camp Invention honors the diversity of American innovation while creating equitable access to STEM education for underserved students.

Collaboration: As children develop the I Can Invent^® Mindset, they learn that collaboration is key to developing the best solutions. Collaborative learning environments not only help ML students develop important life skills like interpersonal communication, but students of all backgrounds can benefit from developing a broader perspective and cultural understanding by working closely with their peers.

Just as differentiated instruction caters to different learning styles and levels in the classroom, multilingual instruction practices can support student success. By giving students the tools they need, educators can guide multilingual learners to master essential skills that will boost their confidence, promote engagement and give them a sense of accomplishment.

As students work together to solve real-world challenges, the diversity that enriches STEM fields is the same diversity that enriches the classroom. Effective, inclusive multilingual instruction benefits every student by improving academic performance, vital problem-solving skills, cultural awareness and career readiness.

Cultivating Inclusive Classrooms

Invention education presents an opportunity to demonstrate an unwavering belief in students’ potential and excitement for the value they bring into the classroom.

Explore our blog for more industry insights.