mattwalker.education

Teaching Tools

Interactive frameworks and resources for academic language development in ESOL classrooms

Philosophy

Philosophy of Teaching

Meaning-making through interaction, identity, scaffolding & translanguaging — a complete teaching philosophy statement

Zwiers 2024

Overhauling Learning for Multilingual Students

Pedagogical Justice, the Idea-Building Approach, 10 elements, assessment for learning — Zwiers’ most complete framework

Pedagogical Justice

6 Dimensions of Pedagogical Justice

Deep dive into Zwiers’ justice framework — classroom examples for History & ESOL, plus strategies for weaving each dimension into interview answers

Toolkit

WIDA × Zwiers Teaching Toolkit

Full 5×4 framework with conversation skills, graphic organizers, and structured protocols for academic dialogue

Framework

5×4 Domain × KLU Matrix

Interactive explorer for 20 Domain × KLU intersections with classroom scenarios, tasks, and stems

Quick Ref

WIDA Framework Quick Reference Guide

At-a-glance reference for the WIDA × Zwiers framework — perfect for lesson planning and PD sessions

Reference

Zwiers Key Ideas

Core concepts from Jeff Zwiers' academic conversations research

Printable

Building Ideas Visual

Color-coded Clarify & Support blocks for mapping idea-building conversations

Printable

Two-Dimensional Argument Scale

Balance scale organizer for weighing claims, reasons, and evidence on both sides of an argument

Printable

Three-Dimensional Argument Scale

Cut-and-fold paper scale for hands-on argument weighing with evidence cards

Assessment

Peer Assessment Tool

Five-question feedback form for students to assess peer conversation quality

Assessment

Write-Converse-Write Assessment

Rubric-style tool for assessing prewriting, conversation, and postwriting features

Printable

Silent Coaching Cards

Color-coded prompt cards for coaching students during academic conversations without interrupting

Printable

Observer Notes — Building an Idea

Pyramid visual organizer for third observers to track idea-building conversation turns

Printable

Observer Notes — Argument

Balance scale organizer for third observers to track argument conversation turns with coding

Printable

Double-Entry Journal

Two-column organizer for reading responses with supporting quotes from the text

Printable

Comparison Matrix

Blank partner matrix for comparing multiple sources across criteria

Printable

Formulaic Expressions — Anticipatory Guide

Sentence frames for student pairs working through an anticipatory guide together

Printable

Anticipatory Guide

Blank agree/disagree organizer with space for statements and brief explanations

Framework

Structured Interactions Lesson Plan

Preparing-Interacting-Extending framework with tasks, objectives, and interaction structures

Printable

Jigsaw Project Matrix

Four-topic matrix for jigsaw reading with main points, comparisons, and questions

Printable

Claims and Counterclaims

Blank organizer for analyzing claims, evidence, counterclaims, and rebuttals