An Educator’s Perspective: Lessons learned in preparing multilingual students to study in English

In November of 2022, National Geographic Learning hosted two panels titled ‘The Evolving World of English Learning: A School’s-Eye View‘ featuring the perspective of several educators. Following the discussions, the panelists reflected on the question ‘What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in preparing multilingual students to study some

The Evolving World of English Learning

“We’re trying to find a balance between just knowing stuff and knowing how to apply the knowledge into effective learning and things to do in life.” Coordinator, Private High School, Mexico  BACKGROUND  In 2021, we spoke with over 60 people in 19 countries at different schools teaching kindergarten to high

Expert Q&A: Scaffolding Techniques for Reading to Support Learners

As a follow-up to her recent National Geographic Learning webinar, Lift co-author Tracey Gibbins answers a few questions about scaffolding from participants in the session. What is the difference between scaffolding and differentiation? Scaffolding for reading is the process of supporting students as they work towards becoming independent readers. I

woman climbing

Assessment for Real-World Success

We each chart our own path forward in this incredible world—with help from family, friends, and teachers who inspire and guide us. At National Geographic Learning, our goal is to motivate students to experience the world through the visually rich stories of National Geographic photographers and explorers. But inspiration is

Combining International Mindedness, Interdisciplinary Instruction and Service Learning in the IB Classroom

The International Baccalaureate (IB) focuses on teaching the value of perspectives, ideas, and connections from around the world.  Whether you’re new to the IB, an IB educator, or are familiar with another curriculum framework, you probably know that it’s a challenge to think about how to take a big idea

English Medium Instruction

Shifting Literacy Needs in English Medium Instruction: In Conversation with Nonie Lesaux

Nonie K. Lesaux is the Juliana W. and William Foss Thompson Professor of Education and Society at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She leads a research program that focuses on promoting the language and literacy skills of today’s children and youth from diverse linguistic, cultural, and economic backgrounds. Nonie

Helping Students Tackle Complex Texts with Close Reading

Tackling challenging texts is an overwhelming task for most students, even for strong readers. Close reading is an effective instructional strategy to help students interact with complex texts and gain deeper understanding of them. Close reading could also empower students to become strong, independent readers of highly complex texts (Sisson