Empowering Preservice Teachers: Digital Storytelling as a Scaffold for Multilingual Learners in the Classroom

• In Event: Preparing Equity-Minded Teachers for Multilingual Learners: Practices Across Contexts

Abstract

This study explores how particular coursework assignments may be leveraged to bridge the everpresent gap between theory and practice for pre-service teachers (PSTs). More specifically, PSTs were encouraged to utilize digital storytelling technology as a means to scaffold complex content for their multilingual learners. Through our study, we discovered that PSTs perceived digital storytelling technology as a means to (1) be creative in their content development; (2) develop personalized content beyond “pre-packaged” materials; and (3) provide meaningful support for MLLs. The study highlights practical strategies, challenges, and outcomes from implementing digital storytelling projects in teacher education programs, emphasizing its potential to empower both educators and students in a multilingual classroom setting.

Authors

• Loren Jones, University of Maryland

• Shannon M. Kane, University of Maryland

• Margaret Polizos Peterson, University of Maryland