Better Comprehension Through Translation

• In Event: Perspectives on Biliteracy Research

Abstract

This research project focused on how to use translation to improve the reading comprehension of middle school students who are English learners (ELs). We worked with 17 students at two different middle schools and asked them to translate conceptually and linguistically rich excerpts from required English literature curriculum. When EL students translated carefully selected segments of text, they increased the time and effort needed to comprehend that text; on occasion translation resulted in a clear and unambiguous improvement in students’ comprehension, and it allowed additional insight into students’ thinking during reading. We concluded that efforts to increase the comprehension of English learners needs to be grounded in their linguistic resources.

Authors

• Robert T. Jimenez, Vanderbilt University

• Samuel David, Vanderbilt University

• Christopher Keyes, Vanderbilt University

• Mikel Walker Cole, Clemson University