Translate, Compare, Explain

Worked classroom example

Science

Worked example

For Translate, Compare, Explain, use the Science term “variable” from a unit on energy transfer. Learners compare a familiar-language equivalent with the English subject term and note any difference in scope or use. For example, they can sketch or select a case that fits, then explain why a plausible near-miss does not.

Use this example to make the language move visible. Select subject content appropriate to the class’s age and prior knowledge.

Teaching sequence

1. Choose a key concept and invite learners to note a familiar-language equivalent or explanation where useful. Make clear that translations may not align exactly.
2. Compare examples across languages and identify the shared concept, any difference in meaning and the English form needed for this subject task.
3. Learners explain the concept in English with a precise example and note where the translation helped or needed checking.

Try it in your next lesson

Prepare

Use a term learners know in more than one language. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.

Classroom task

Put a term learners know in more than one language on cards or around the room. Learners match, sort or compare meanings and justify each choice.

Check independent transfer

Learners explain the concept in English with a precise example and note where the translation helped or needed checking.

Collect a response on fresh content. Note what was achieved without the model, partner or teacher prompt, then choose one next teaching step.

Teacher language

Teacher language

Can you use this word accurately in a new subject example?

Respond to the learner

Identify one successful meaning or language choice. Ask about one gap, allow thinking time, then invite a revision. Check the revised move again on a fresh example.

Adjust support and challenge

Offer a brief model, useful vocabulary and partner rehearsal where needed. Keep the subject goal; reduce one prompt on fresh content and record what was independent.

Teaching this skill → · Age and language support →

More support

Use an image, object, bilingual gloss and contrasting example. Retrieve the word in a new sentence rather than repeat a definition only. Allow familiar-language notes or another response mode when checking subject understanding.

Greater independence

Change the content, evidence or audience. Remove the completed model and ask learners to explain a choice. Increase subject complexity only when it fits the curriculum and prior knowledge.

Choose the next step

If subject meaning is insecure, reteach the concept. If the concept is understood but the English is unclear, model one useful language relationship and invite a fresh response.