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We know that in classrooms around the world, multilingualism is the norm rather than the exception. Yet, having a linguistically diverse student body does not automatically equal multilingual mindsets running throughout the school; this is something that must be intentionally cultivated.
To clarify, a multilingual mindset is a way of thinking and teaching that values all languages as assets, embraces linguistic diversity as a strength, and actively creates an environment where multilingual learners thrive.
Research indicates that multilingual students often exhibit enhanced cognitive flexibility, superior problem-solving abilities, and improved academic performance. For instance, a study highlighted by SEAL.org found that multilingual students display enhanced cognitive flexibility, showcasing superior skills in problem-solving and creativity.
Additionally, research published in the journal Migration Letters emphasises that multilingualism positively impacts cognitive abilities and academic performance.
These findings suggest that cultivating a multilingual mindset in schools not only supports EAL learners but also creates an environment where all students benefit from linguistic diversity.
What Does a Multilingual Mindset Look Like?
A multilingual mindset is visible in both policy and practice. Schools that have embedded this way of thinking:
Encourage the use of home languages in learning, recognising their role in cognitive development.
Train teachers to use strategies that make multilingualism a part of everyday teaching and learning.
Engage parents as valued partners, providing opportunities for them to share their linguistic and cultural knowledge.
Normalise linguistic diversity through classroom displays, curriculum content, and teaching approaches.
Ensure that EAL strategies are not isolated interventions but an integral part of a whole-school approach to inclusion.
Why a Multilingual Mindset Doesn't Develop Overnight
Developing a multilingual mindset is a long-term process that requires a shift in beliefs, attitudes, and pedagogical approaches. Many teachers have been trained in monolingual environments and, understandably, may initially feel hesitant about integrating home languages into their practice when this is something new, unfamiliar and needs integrating within their "teaching toolboxes". School leaders play a crucial role in creating a culture where multilingualism is seen as an advantage rather than a challenge.
Research by Jim Cummins highlights the importance of the interdependence hypothesis (often illustrated as the 'iceberg theory'), which shows how skills and knowledge from one language can transfer to another. If a child has developed literacy skills in their home language, they are better equipped to acquire literacy in English. This underpins the importance of affirming and supporting multilingual learners’ home languages rather than seeing them as barriers.
By recognising this process, schools can build a supportive environment where multilingual learners develop proficiency in both their home language and English without one being seen as a hindrance to the other.
The Role of a Multilingual Mindset in Whole-School Inclusion
A multilingual mindset is fundamental to an effective whole-school approach to EAL and inclusion. It ensures that all staff members understand that multilingual learners are not simply learning English—they are learning through English. A strong, inclusive approach:
Embeds language support across the curriculum.
Recognises that language development is the responsibility of all teachers, not just EAL specialists.
Values linguistic diversity as a key component of the school's ethos and mission.
Why This Matters in 2025 and Beyond
Being multilingual is an increasingly key skill in the modern world. Research shows that multilingual brains are more adept at problem-solving, cognitive flexibility, and critical thinking. Studies also suggest that multilingual individuals tend to be more successful learners across all subject areas.
As educators, we have a responsibility to prepare our students for the global world they will inherit. Developing a multilingual mindset within a school is not just about supporting EAL learners make good progress with their English (whilst this is also an outcome we're striving for within an English-speaking school!) —it’s about equipping all students with the skills they need to navigate diverse linguistic and cultural environments.
The Role of Parents
We know that parents are key partners in developing a multilingual mindset and to maximise parental support and input, schools can:
Encourage parents to continue using their home language with their children.
Provide multilingual resources and guidance on how to support learning at home.
Organise parent workshops that celebrate linguistic diversity and provide strategies for supporting English language development.
Create multilingual book corners or home-language book-sharing initiatives.
Supporting Teachers to Embed a Multilingual Mindset
For a multilingual mindset to be effective, teachers also need to feel confident and supported in their approach.
Practical strategies we can support all teachers with integrating into their day-to-day- practice include:
Using visuals, graphic organisers, and sentence stems to scaffold learning.
Encouraging peer collaboration where learners can use their home languages to develop understanding before producing work in English.
Setting clear expectations for output in English while allowing multilingual support during the learning process.
Providing professional development opportunities that help teachers integrate multilingual strategies into their existing teaching.
Practical Tips for Schools at Different Stages of Their Multilingualism Journey:
We know that all schools are unique and that a multilingual mindset can be developed progressively and in a way which is in-line with the school's journey as an inclusive, multilingual school. So what does this look like for schools at different stages of their multilingualism journey?
Schools Just Starting Out:
Conduct an audit of the home languages spoken in the school community.
Begin normalising multilingualism by displaying multiple languages around the school.
Provide introductory CPD for staff on the benefits of multilingualism and simple strategies they can all use to in their classrooms.
Start engaging parents by inviting them to share stories, traditions, and language in school activities.
Use visuals, dual-language books, and multilingual signage to make language diversity visible.
Schools with Some Practices in Place, Targeting This as an Area for Growth:
Embed multilingual approaches into teaching and learning across different subjects - provide opportunities for teachers to share examples of what's working with your specific students and parents - create an evidence base that's relevant to your context.
Provide CPD on translanguaging strategies and collaborative learning techniques.
Develop a multilingual library and encourage students to read in their home languages.
Strengthen home-school partnerships by offering guidance for parents on how they can support their child's language development at home.
Establish peer mentoring systems to support multilingual learners in developing academic English.
Schools with a Strong Multilingual Approach, Looking to Go Further:
Create a school-wide policy on multilingualism that informs curriculum planning and pedagogy.
Partner with other schools or organisations to exchange best practices and develop new resources.
Encourage student voice by setting up multilingual student councils or leadership roles.
Promote research-based practice, incorporating evidence from linguistics and cognitive science.
Offer language clubs, multilingual debate competitions, and opportunities for students to develop proficiency in multiple languages.
Final Thoughts
Building a multilingual mindset in schools is not a quick fix—it requires ongoing commitment from school leaders, teachers, and the wider school community. But the benefits are profound. By embedding multilingualism into school culture, we ensure that all students, regardless of their linguistic background, have the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
What small step can your school take today to create a more multilingual-friendly environment?
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