Quality content teaching for multilingual students: An international examination of excellence in instructional practices in four countries

Authors

Kara Viesca, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Annela Teemant, Indiana University-Purdue University IndianapolisFollow
Jenni Alisaari, University of Turku, FinlandFollow
Johanna Ennser-Kananen, University of Jyväskylä, FinlandFollow
Naomi Flynn, University of ReadingFollow
Svenja Hammer, Leuphana University Lüneburg, GermanyFollow
Sara Routarinne, University of Turku, FinlandFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2022

Citation

Published in Teaching and Teacher Education 113 (2022) 103649

doi:10.1016/j.tate.2022.103649

Comments

© 2022 Elsevier Ltd. Used by permission.

Abstract

Observations of Pedagogical Excellence of Teaching Across Nations (OPETAN) is a mixed methods observation study of 31 content teachers, most nominated for their excellence in teaching multilingual students in Germany, Finland, the US, and England. The study relied on an observation rubric that operationalizes seven Enduring Principles of Learning grounded in critical sociocultural theory and pedagogy. Findings revealed excellent teachers emphasize complex thinking, language use, and modeling. Teacher use of small groups, contextualization, and equity-focused practices were areas of potential growth. International research holds promise for understanding and improving K-12 content teaching and teacher education for teachers of multilingual learners.