Bringing One Language to Another: Multilingualism as a Resource in the Language Classroom

Based on the article by Joyce Milambiling.

My reaction.

After reading the article, it is clear what is multilingualism and why is this phenomenon increasing.  However, I had not understood that this phenomenon could improve the cognitive capacity of one student.

The author states that it is possible to improve: Connections in the brain, Cognitive flexibility, Unconciously = grammatical knowledge, Sociocultural knowledge and Sociolinguistic variables and functions  as metalinguistic, that is knowing the function of a word in the speech.  So, the most important thing is to understand that we as a teacher can use student's previous knowledge in his/her previous language in order to learn the target language.

Teachers are able to design their classes based on students' languages.  I.e.

As pre-activity,  teacher can ask students write a story in its own language. 

As main activity students can re-wwrite in English the story.  

As follow activity students might present orally.

As  assessment other students give feedback to the speaker.

There are different options based on the teacher's experience.

The outcomes will be:

Students demonstrate use of words

Students practice the four skills

Students apply how to share information

Students comprehend the value of co-evaluation

Activities might be expanded to go further into grammar, self evaluation and cooperative learning.