What does cognitive academic language learning require?

Cognitive academic language learning is an approach that involves teaching students the language and cognitive skills necessary for academic success across various subjects. It requires teaching strategies that include explicit instruction because students need clear, direct guidance to understand complex academic vocabulary and language structures. This explicit instruction can take various forms, including modeling, practice, and feedback, which are essential for helping learners grasp the meanings and usages of language in academic contexts.

The necessity for explicit instruction is significant since academic language often differs from everyday conversational language. It encapsulates a range of skills, including vocabulary acquisition, understanding of grammatical structures, and the ability to use language for higher-order thinking tasks such as analysis and synthesis.

By emphasizing teaching strategies that are explicit, educators equip students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of academic discourse, ultimately supporting their overall academic achievement.