From English-Only to Multilingualism: Elementary Teachers' Practices of Translanguaging in Mainstream Classrooms

• In Event: Language Ideologies and Language Awareness in Teacher Education

Abstract

As the number of multilingual learners (MLs) in mainstream classrooms is growing rapidly, it is essential for mainstream teachers to implement effective pedagogical approaches to teach MLs in equitable, effective ways. Translanguaging emphasizes the value of multilingualism and position MLs’ multilingualism as a resource for teaching and learning. While translanguaging has been widely explored in the context of dual/bilingual education, very little research has focused on mainstream teachers of MLs. Therefore, the study explored how elementary mainstream teachers enacted translanguaging into their classroom practice as a result of participation in a graduate-level TESL course. The study indicated that teachers developed an emerging translanguaging stance and incorporated various translanguaging strategies into their instruction. Findings offer implications for teacher education courses.

Authors

• Refika Turgut, University of South Carolina - Upstate
  Presenting Author

• Ezgi Yesilyurt, Weber State University
  Presenting Author