The Prism model has four major components that drive language acquisition for school; sociocultural,
linguistic, academic, and cognitive processes. This includes attention to the ongoing developmental
processes that occur naturally for any child llirough the school years.
Sociocultural Dimension
This model involves all social and cultural processes that occur in all contexts of
the learner's life, including home, school, community and society at large.
The "heart" of the prism model - covers all contexts.
An example of the influence that these processes have on second language acquisition
involves the effects that community social patterns of prejudice and discrimination towards
individuals or groups may have on ELL affective factors (self-esteem and attitudes towards the
target language and towards those who speak it). as a mother tongue).
By negatively influencing the learner's affective
factors, these socio-cultural processes can severely
hamper the process of second language acquisition.
Linguistic Dimension
This model involves all aspects of the language development process,
including first and second language acquisition and learning, as well as
oral and written language development.
Tests a students' proficiency level in both languages.
Cognitive Dimension
involves the multiple ways in which teachers build on
what students know, as well as understanding their
thought processes, and the ways in which they apply
their learning.
Students' prior knowledge affects their brain
development. Example: Spending time with family,
previous schooling or lack of it.
Academic Dimension
involves the apparent aspects of the curriculum and instruction that students receive from
preschool through high school graduation and beyond.
It includes understanding the hidden aspects of
engagement that help students overcome
challenges related to curriculum, instruction and
academic policy.
The type of schooling a CLD student receives plays an important
role in determining his or her success.