Teaching and Learning at HTS

A  "deep dive" into educational resources for teachers at Hanoi Toronto School (HTS). It focuses on two frameworks: the Learning Improvement Process (LIP) and the EAL and multilingualism roadmap.•Key Takeaways:◦The LIP provides a structure for school-wide continuous improvement. It involves self-evaluation and data-driven decision-making, and is broken down into nine criteria.◦The EAL and multilingualism roadmap applies the LIP structure to language learning at HTS, considering the school's diverse student population. The goal is for students to learn at least one additional language while valuing their native languages.◦BICS (basic interpersonal communication skills) is the language needed for everyday social interactions, while CALP (cognitive academic language proficiency) is the language needed to succeed in school. The roadmap provides steps to help language learners at different levels.◦The roadmap emphasises the importance of personalised learning and provides strategies for teachers to make their teaching accessible to everyone, such as using visuals, diagrams, videos, and hands-on activities.◦Collaboration with parents is crucial. This involves informing parents about the school's approach to language learning and providing resources and workshops.◦The LIP and the roadmap work together to create an amazing learning experience for everyone at HTS, focusing on 21st-century skills.◦The frameworks emphasise creating a positive learning environment where students feel safe and supported.◦The LIP and the roadmap are not static documents but should be revisited and changed as needed. Professional development is essential for teachers to stay updated.◦The LIP and the EAL and multilingualism roadmap aren't about simply fulfilling requirements, but about creating a welcoming, safe, and supportive school environment.◦The frameworks are for everyone at HTS, including leadership, parents, and support staff.

The podcast discusses translanguaging, which is described as a fascinating and hot topic that is reshaping how people think about language learning.Key takeaways from the podcast include:•Translanguaging harnesses all the languages students have as a resource, rather than keeping them separate. It strategically uses a full linguistic repertoire to unlock deeper learning.•It connects with creating an inclusive learning environment that values diversity by recognising the linguistic assets that each student brings to the classroom.•Translanguaging challenges the traditional deficit view that sees students who do not speak the dominant language as lacking something. It instead recognises that every student brings a unique set of linguistic and cultural assets to construct meaning and understanding.•In secondary schools, translanguaging can be applied by encouraging students to draft writing assignments in their first language to focus on content before translating to English.•Translanguaging fosters a sense of pride in cultural and linguistic identities, signalling that students' languages and stories matter and that their whole selves are welcome.•It's about shifting mindsets and embracing the richness that linguistic diversity brings to the school community.•Everyone has the right to use their own language without facing discrimination, which is related to the idea of linguistic human rights.•Creating a supportive school environment is important as is parental involvement.•The success of translanguaging is measured not just by test scores, but also student engagement, motivation, self-esteem, and sense of belonging.•Translanguaging aligns with developing internationally minded individuals. It's a philosophy and way of thinking about language, learning, and the purpose of education, creating spaces where all students can thrive and shaping a more inclusive and equitable future.

In this episode of "Unlock Multilingual Learning", we're exploring the ISP Learning Improvement Process and the EAL & Multilingualism Roadmap and how they provide a framework for schools to create effective and inclusive multilingual environments. We'll uncover the core ideas behind these documents, providing practical strategies that educators can implement in their schools.•The Learning Improvement Process: Learn how this process encourages schools to look inwards, evaluate their current practices, and use evidence-based strategies to constantly improve. Discover how it's about more than just ticking boxes; it is about fostering a learning-focused environment.•EAL & Multilingualism Roadmap: We'll explain how this roadmap helps schools assess their support for multilingual learners, with the ultimate goal of helping students become proficient in another world language while valuing their home languages.•Shared Ideas: Understand why shared ideas are the foundation for successful multilingual education. Discover how to ensure the entire school community is aligned with the same beliefs and vision for EAL and multilingualism.•Creating a Positive Atmosphere: Discover the importance of a safe, inclusive, and caring environment. Learn how to ensure teachers feel supported in implementing new strategies and how to embrace multilingualism by valuing students' cultural identities and experiences.•Learning and Teaching: We'll share practical strategies for teachers to remove barriers to learning and personalise the learning experience for EAL students, including the use of graphic organisers, visual aids, and sentence starters.•Translanguaging: We'll explore how to strategically use students' home languages to deepen their understanding, such as brainstorming in their home language before writing in English or annotating texts in their home language.•Evidence of Learning: Understand the importance of multifaceted assessment methods, including standardised tests, language continuums, and classroom observations, to track students' progress.•Leadership and Support: Discover how schools can empower their community through professional development, resources, and dedicated leadership to support EAL and multilingualism.•Parental Partnerships: Learn how to build strong relationships with parents by fostering open communication, providing resources, and celebrating multilingualism as a school community.Tune in to discover how your school can create a truly enriching and inclusive multilingual learning environment, where every student can thrive: