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It is important for educators to keep in mind that academic language is both receptive (seen/heard) and productive (spoken/read). Receptive and productive descriptions of language are also called language modalities. The acronym SWRL ("swirl") helps in remembering to consider each of the language modalities needed for learner success; SWRL stands for Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening. It is beneficial for candidates to consider all language modalities when thinking about how learners will be asked to meet the lesson's content goal or objective (Goldenberg, 2013; Vogt, Echevarria, & Short, 2010).
"Bricks, Mortar, and Buildings" is a nine-minute video that presents a metaphor for academic language by the same title (Benegas & Stolpestad, 2019). This metaphor will also be used to assist in identifying the academic language needs of your instructional sequence and learning goals. Determining the academic language demands related to the lesson objective is a very important step in planning for the success for all learners.
Multilingual Learners
Building candidate awareness of academic language is important for the support and success of all learners, but is of crucial importance for multilingual learners. Multilingual learners refer to all children and youth who are, or have been, consistently exposed to multiple languages. It includes learners known as English language learners (ELLs) or dual language learners (DLLs); heritage language learners; and students who speak varieties of English or indigenous languages. Ensuring that academic (English) language is clear helps students be successful with lesson activities and objectives, thereby increasing overall student achievement.
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