Amplifying Multilingual Learners with the Support of AI Tools

In the dynamic ever-changing landscape of our modern classrooms, supporting multilingual learners requires an intricate blend of pedagogically sound strategies and advanced technological tools. Our book, Amplify Learning: A Global Collaborative – Amplifying Diverse Learning Needs, dedicates a chapter to this critical topic, emphasizing the integration of EdTech and AI tools in classrooms to enhance learning experiences for multilingual students.

Pedagogy First: Laying the Foundation

Before delving into a wide variety of AI tools, it is vital to ground our approach in robust instructional strategies. At the heart of our pedagogical framework are TPACK (Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge) and UDL (Universal Design for Learning), which guide educators in creating accessible and effective learning experiences.

As teachers of multilingual learners, keep these two major instructional frameworks in mind as well as have a key set of instructional strategies such as: 

• Direct Instruction & Explicit Instruction and Modeling: These approaches provide clear, structured guidance to learners, essential in multilingual settings.
• Worked Examples & Formative Assessment: Worked examples simplify complex concepts, while formative assessments offer timely feedback for ongoing improvement.
• Guided Practice & Thinking Routines: These strategies encourage deeper cognitive engagement and critical thinking among learners.
• Cooperative Learning Strategies & Retrieval Practice: Promoting collaboration and reinforcing memory recall are key in multilingual classrooms.
• Summative Assessment: This assesses learner understanding and proficiency at the culmination of instructional units.

AI Tools to Support Multilingual Learners

Now, let’s jump into several AI tools teachers can integrate with the strategies and instructional frameworks discussed above. We will first define each tool related to how they can be used for teachers and then describe various uses to support their teaching with multilingual learners in mind. 

Google Bard, Claude, and ChatGPT

These Generative AI tools, utilizing large language models, offer a wide range of instructional uses:

• Lesson Planning & Content Generation: AI can assist in developing lesson plans and creating diverse content tailored to multilingual learners.
• Differentiation & Preliminary Research: AI tools can customize content based on learners’ needs and assist in gathering preliminary research for topics.
• Writing Revision & Feedback: These tools provide feedback on written work, aiding in language development.
• Language Capabilities: They can translate content into a multitude of languages with high accuracy.
• Other Uses: From summarizing videos to completing administrative tasks and data analysis, their versatility is immense.

Curipod

Curipod offers interactive slides created by generative AI with various instructional uses:

• Formative Assessment & Interactive Slides: These facilitate guided practice and cooperative learning.
• AI-Generated Feedback & Gamification: Enhancing engagement and providing instant feedback.
• Language Adaptability: Presentations are accessible in multiple languages.

Diffit

Diffit specializes in content generation that is adaptable to different languages and reading levels:

• Lesson Planning & Content Creation: It offers customization and interactive elements in its content.
• Differentiated Content: Content can be tailored to suit diverse linguistic needs.

Speakable.io

Focusing on speaking fluency, Speakable.io uses AI voice recognition for various instructional purposes:

• Retrieval Practice & Independent Practice: It aids in fluency and vocabulary development.
• Teacher Monitoring: Educators can track student progress in any language.

Learn More About Our Book and Our #AmpGlobalEdu  Book Series 

Our book series, #AmpGlobalEdu is not just a collection of chapters. It’s a global conversation, bringing together educators from around the world to share their insights on integrating high-impact strategies with EdTech tools. From various content areas to diverse contexts, our goal is to amplify student learning by harnessing the power of technology in education. Discover more about our journey and join the conversation at AmpGlobalEdu.com. Together, let’s shape a future where every student’s voice is heard, and every learner’s potential is amplified!