A conversation with Aylin Erengul Gregg and Ana Arana on supporting multilingual learners without mistaking English fluency for ability.
About Aylin Erengul Gregg
Aylin Erengul Gregg is an English Language Acquisition specialist with a passion for supporting multilingual learners in accessing meaningful and equitable education. Having taught in diverse international school settings, she brings a global perspective to language acquisition, identity, and classroom practice. Her work with students from a wide range of linguistic and cultural backgrounds is grounded in the belief that language learning should affirm rather than assimilate. She is the creator of the LEAVES Approach, which focuses on language, exposure, acquisition, validation, engagement, and scaffolding as a way to support multilingual learners and help educators become more language-aware in their practice. Currently based in Kuala Lumpur, Aylin continues to work with multilingual learners, supporting them to feel seen, capable, and confident as they develop English.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aylin-erengul-gregg-ma-tesol-w-app-ling-10b56915/
About Ana Arana
Ana Arana is an advocate for multilingual learners who challenges the assumption that language proficiency equals intelligence. With a Master's from the University of Exeter and over a decade of experience in IB schools, she builds classrooms where students' strengths are recognised, their voices are heard, and their academic potential isn't mistaken for their English fluency. Her approach is collaborative. She works alongside colleagues to ensure language learning is part of everyday learning, not a separate activity. This advocacy extends to every student conversation, team meeting, and classroom decision. Her driving motivation is simple: to help multilingual learners build confidence, fully access the curriculum, and thrive academically and personally.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msanaarana/
Resources
https://www.leaveseal.com/
John Mikton on Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmikton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmikton
Web: beyonddigital.org
Dan Taylor on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appsevents
Twitter: https://twitter.com/appdkt
Web: www.appsevents.com
Listen on: iTunes / Podbean / Stitcher / Spotify / YouTube
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