Translate

Ways to Use it in the Classroom

Google Translate is especially useful in a beginner ESL environment, especially if you allow students to use their own devices or have devices or computers available for them. For instance, you can...

• • Give students a primary source. Have them read it in English, but then use Translate to put it into their own language to read again.

  • Have students write short sentences in English. Then have them use Translate to put into their own language. Have them fix any mistakes that Translate makes in grammar and word-choice as a way to practice literacy skills in their first language.

  • Similarly, have students write a sentence in their first language, then use Translate to put into English. Then have them fix any grammar or vocabulary mistakes as a practice in English literacy.

  • Use Translate to search for cognates or other touchstones from the students' first language.

And of course, Translate makes an even better bilingual dictionary than an actual bilingual dictionary. It even gives multiple word choices when applicable, just like a bilingual dictionary.