Three Ways to Encourage Greater Confidence in Multilingual Learners

In today’s education landscape, students bring increasingly unique perspectives, identities, and linguistic backgrounds into the classroom. As educators, our role extends beyond imparting knowledge; it includes creating an inclusive and empowering environment that fosters confidence in every student. For multilingual learners (MLs) especially, navigating the academic landscape can be both challenging and rewarding. Understanding their unique needs is essential for crafting relevant learning opportunities. Meaningful language acquisition requires feelings of safety and confidence to lower the affective filter.

The affective filter, a concept coined by linguist Stephen Krashen, refers to the emotional and motivational factors that influence language acquisition. When this filter is high, anxiety and stress can impede the learning process, hindering students from fully engaging with the material. By actively working to lower the affective filter, educators create an environment that facilitates language acquisition and nurtures confidence in MLs.

Using techniques like creating safe learning environments and giving students greater agency enhances language development and also contributes to the holistic growth of MLs. Consider leveraging the tips below to unlock the potential for greater confidence and success in the classroom.

Create an environment where it’s safe to take risks

Creating a classroom environment where it’s safe for MLs to take risks is critical for their linguistic development and overall confidence. Encouraging students to express themselves without fear of judgment creates a foundation for secure risk-taking. 

You can implement regular class discussions where students are invited to share their perspectives on various topics. By incorporating a diverse range of voices, educators validate each student’s unique linguistic contribution, reinforcing that their thoughts are valued. For instance, assign rotating discussion roles, such as facilitator, recorder, and reporter, which allows students to take turns leading conversations, promoting an inclusive environment that builds trust among peers.

Furthermore, educators can use cooperative learning activities that emphasize teamwork and collaboration. Pairing students with varied abilities facilitates language acquisition and creates an atmosphere where students support one another in their learning. 

Assigning collaborative projects that require shared responsibilities encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, contributing to a classroom culture that celebrates linguistic diversity. For instance, group projects that involve creating presentations or multimedia content provide opportunities for students to leverage their language skills collectively, fostering a sense of shared accomplishment and reinforcing that taking risks is a fundamental part of the learning process. By consistently incorporating these strategies, educators can cultivate a safe and encouraging environment where MLs feel empowered to embrace linguistic challenges.

Build students’ growth mindset

Building a growth mindset among students is crucial for fostering resilience and a positive attitude toward learning. Encourage students to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than overwhelming obstacles. 

For instance, when introducing a new language concept, highlight the importance of practice and the gradual improvement that comes with consistent effort. Share stories of individuals who faced language barriers but achieved proficiency through dedication and persistence. This illustrates that language acquisition is a journey marked by progress rather than perfection.

Incorporating constructive feedback into the learning process is another effective approach to build your students’ growth mindset. Create a feedback loop where students receive input from both teachers and their peers. This not only provides varied perspectives but also emphasizes the collaborative nature of language learning. 

Encourage students to reflect on their progress, setting specific, achievable language goals. For example, implementing peer review sessions for language assignments allows students to offer constructive feedback to one another, fostering a supportive community that reinforces the idea that improvement is continuous. 

By consistently applying these strategies, educators contribute to the development of a growth mindset, instilling the belief that language proficiency can be enhanced through dedication, effort, and a willingness to embrace challenges.

Give students greater agency over their learning

Empowering students with greater agency over their learning is a transformative approach that enhances their sense of ownership and increases motivation and engagement. 

To provide students with appropriate challenges, educators can implement differentiated instruction, tailoring assignments to individual language proficiency levels. This ensures that tasks are neither too easy nor too difficult, striking the right balance to stimulate growth. 

For instance, offering project options with varying degrees of complexity allows students to choose tasks that align with their comfort level with appropriate challenges. This approach helps create a learning environment where success is attainable, fostering a positive mindset toward challenges.

Guiding students in self-assessment is a critical component of promoting agency in their learning journey. Provide clear criteria for success and involve students in setting goals for their language development. Regularly encourage reflection on their strengths and areas for improvement, prompting them to take an active role in their educational progress. 

Implementing peer review sessions or self-assessment checklists allows students to evaluate their work against established criteria. By engaging in this process, students develop a deeper understanding of their own learning needs, promoting a sense of confidence in their academic growth. 

Through these intentional strategies, educators facilitate an environment where students not only experience success with appropriate challenges but also become active participants in shaping their language-learning trajectory.

Empowering multilingual learners in the classroom

Embracing risk, nurturing a growth mindset, and promoting agency are fundamental pillars in creating an inclusive and empowering environment for MLs. Providing opportunities for students to take risks, offering challenges with appropriate support, and guiding them in assessment contributes to the development of resilient, self-directed learners. 

Ultimately, it is through these intentional efforts that educators truly empower multilingual learners to reach their full potential and embrace the journey of language acquisition with enthusiasm and confidence.

As educators, instilling confidence is crucial for supporting the academic success of multilingual students. Download Participate Learning’s ebook, Building Bilingual Education Programs, to learn more strategies to help dual language learners!