We had the privilege of working with an inspiring group of science teachers dedicated to deepening their instructional practice and improving how students engage with science learning. During the training, we began by identifying our shared teaching challenges and examining the root causes that make science instruction complex in today’s classrooms. Together, we discussed possible operational adjustments—changes in planning, classroom routines, and collaboration—that could make teaching more effective and responsive to students’ needs. A central focus of our work was the intersection of language, culture, and learning in science education. We explored how students make sense of scientific ideas not only by reading and listening, but also by talking, writing, drawing, and sharing their thinking. This multidimensional approach allows students to communicate their scientific understanding in ways that reflect both their cognitive and cultural experiences. We also studied key strategies for supporting Multilingual Learners (MLLs), including the use of translanguaging and Triangle Talk. These frameworks help teachers create spaces where students can use their full linguistic resources to make meaning, connect prior knowledge to new scientific concepts, and engage in authentic academic dialogue. Throughout the session, teachers reflected on their classroom experiences, collaborated in small groups, and generated actionable ideas to apply in their own instruction. The accompanying slides capture highlights from our discussion and provide additional resources for continued learning and implementation. This session affirmed that when teachers intentionally connect science, language, and culture, students not only learn more science—they learn to see themselves as capable scientists and thinkers.
RESEARCH ON LANGUAGE
DESIGNING MLL SUPPORT
TRIANGLE TALK LEARNING TASKS
IN SHORT
We are offering our “in short” summaries of our work. These brief videos offer easy to follow summaries of our work for you to share with your team and you do the additional work.
Here is session 1: Cognitive Apprenticeship Teaching “In Short”
Click the image above to view the video short.