Great Ideas: Translanguaging

The Bell Foundation

11 Aug 202105:46

Summary

TLDRTranslanguaging is a pedagogical strategy that leverages the use of multiple languages in the classroom to enhance learning, particularly for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners. It involves activities like bilingual glossaries, translating, drafting in first language, and group discussions in native languages. This approach not only values multilingualism but also aids in the development of both the first and second languages, making learning more inclusive and effective. Tips for its classroom application and independent learning are also provided, emphasizing its potential to foster a supportive learning environment.

Takeaways

🌐 Translanguaging is a pedagogical strategy that involves the intentional use of different languages in a classroom setting.
📚 Pedagogical translanguaging, coined by Cenoz and Gutta, is particularly relevant for classroom teachers looking to integrate multiple languages.
🔄 The purpose of translanguaging is to combine two or more languages systematically within the same activity for teaching and learning.
📝 Bilingual and multilingual glossaries can support learners with English as an Additional Language (EAL) by leveraging their prior knowledge.
🔍 Focusing on differences between languages, such as spelling or grammar, can help improve EAL learners' English language skills.
📝 Drafting writing in a learner's first language before translating it into English can result in higher quality work and ease the cognitive load.
🎥 Encouraging EAL learners to use resources in their first language, like Khan Academy, can enhance their understanding and engagement with the subject matter.
🗣 Group discussions in a learner's first language can facilitate brainstorming before reporting back in English, promoting collaborative learning.
🏫 Translanguaging conveys to EAL learners that their multilingual background is valued, which can increase their sense of inclusion and motivation.
🔄 Maintaining and developing a learner's first language is beneficial for their second language development and overall school motivation.
📋 Translanguaging can be effectively used for independent learning at home, where learners can engage with content in their first language and then produce school work in English.
🤝 Collaborative learning can extend beyond the classroom through online platforms, allowing EAL learners to work with English speakers using translation tools for communication.

Q & A

What is trans languaging in the context of education?
-Trans languaging is a pedagogical strategy that involves the intentional use of different languages in the classroom or similar teaching and learning contexts. It aims to systematically combine two or more languages as part of the same activity, helping learners use all the languages at their disposal for educational purposes.
Who coined the term 'pedagogical trans languaging'?
-The term 'pedagogical trans languaging' was coined by Cenoz and Gauta.
How can trans languaging be practically applied in the classroom?
-Trans languaging can be applied by using bilingual or multilingual glossaries, encouraging learners to translate words into other languages, allowing learners to draft writing in their first language before translating it into English, and using first-language resources like websites and videos for research.
What is the purpose of using bilingual or multilingual glossaries in a trans languaging approach?
-The purpose of using bilingual or multilingual glossaries is to help learners with English as an Additional Language (EAL) build on their prior knowledge, focus on language differences, and improve their English language skills.
How can trans languaging benefit learners when producing an extended piece of writing?
-Trans languaging can benefit learners by allowing them to draft their writing in their first language, which helps them focus on content without the added pressure of expressing it in English. This can result in a higher quality final product when translated into English.
What role does the first language play in trans languaging for research purposes?
-For research, learners can use their first language to read about a topic or watch videos before participating in lessons conducted in English. This helps them better understand the material and engage with it in English later.
How can trans languaging increase a learner's motivation and sense of inclusion in school?
-Trans languaging conveys the message that multilingualism and a learner's background are valued, which can increase their feeling of inclusion and motivation for learning. It also supports the maintenance and development of their first language, which can aid in learning the second language.
What is a top tip for using trans languaging in the classroom?
-A top tip is to make it explicit to EAL learners that they are encouraged to use their first language in the classroom. This can help them develop both their first language and English.
How can trans languaging be applied to independent learning at home?
-At home, learners can watch videos or read about topics in their first language, make notes, and later discuss or write about the material in English. This approach leverages the natural trans languaging environment at home.
How can trans languaging be used for collaborative learning with an English speaker?
-Two learners speaking different languages can collaborate on a piece of writing using tools like Google Docs. They can use comments and translation tools to communicate and work together, which may not be as easily done in a physical classroom.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Translanguaging in Education

This paragraph introduces the concept of trans languaging as a pedagogical strategy, specifically pedagogical trans languaging, coined by Cenoz and Gauthier. It is an approach where educators intentionally use different languages in the classroom to combine them systematically in the same activity. The strategy leverages learners' multilingual abilities for teaching and learning, including the use of bilingual and multilingual glossaries, translation exercises, drafting in the first language, and using first language resources for research. The paragraph also explains how group discussions can be facilitated through trans languaging, emphasizing its benefits for learners with English as an Additional Language (EAL), such as valuing multilingualism, improving motivation, and aiding in the development of both first and second languages.

05:00

🤝 Collaborative Learning through Translanguaging

The second paragraph discusses the application of translanguaging for collaborative learning, both in and out of the classroom. It suggests that learners can work together on writing projects using online tools like Google Docs, where communication can be facilitated through translation services. This method allows for a more inclusive learning environment and promotes the use of home languages in educational settings. The paragraph concludes with a call to action for viewers to subscribe to the Bell Foundation's channel for more informative content.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Translanguaging

Translanguaging is a pedagogical strategy that involves the intentional use of different languages within an educational context. It is central to the video's theme, emphasizing the integration of multiple languages to support teaching and learning. The script illustrates this with examples such as using bilingual glossaries and encouraging learners to focus on language differences to improve their English language skills.

💡Pedagogical Translanguaging

Pedagogical translanguaging is a specific term coined by Cenoz and Jessner, which is highlighted in the video as the most relevant form for classroom teachers. It is the deliberate use of multiple languages to support learning, showcasing an inclusive approach that values the multilingual abilities of learners.

💡EAL (English as an Additional Language)

EAL refers to learners who speak English in addition to other languages. The video discusses strategies to support these learners, such as using bilingual glossaries and encouraging the use of their first language to draft extended writing pieces before translating them into English, which helps in producing higher quality work.

💡Bilingual Glossaries

Bilingual glossaries are tools that provide translations of words between two languages. In the context of the video, they are used to help EAL learners build on their prior knowledge and focus on differences between languages, such as spelling or grammar, to improve their English language skills.

💡Multilingual Background

The term 'multilingual background' is used to describe learners who come from a linguistically diverse environment. The video emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and valuing this background in the classroom, as it can increase learners' sense of inclusion and motivation for learning.

💡First Language

The first language, or L1, is the native language of a learner. The video suggests that using the first language in the classroom can be beneficial for EAL learners, as it can help them to develop their literacy skills in both their home language and English, as well as facilitate the understanding of new concepts.

💡Second Language

The second language, or L2, is a language that learners are in the process of acquiring. The video discusses how maintaining and developing the first language can actively help with the development of the second language, especially in the context of EAL learners.

💡Inclusion

Inclusion in the video refers to the sense of belonging and acceptance that learners with EAL feel in a school environment. The use of translanguaging is presented as a way to convey to these learners that their multilingualism is valued, thereby increasing their motivation for learning.

💡Literacy

Literacy in the video is discussed in the context of learners' abilities in their home language. It is suggested that literacy in the first language can be leveraged to improve learners' English language skills, as well as to enhance their overall academic performance.

💡Group Discussions

Group discussions are a collaborative learning method highlighted in the video where learners can brainstorm ideas in their first language before reporting to other groups or the class in English. This approach not only fosters communication among learners but also integrates translanguaging into the learning process.

💡Independent Learning

Independent learning is the process where learners engage with educational content on their own. The video suggests that translanguaging can be applied to independent learning at home, such as watching videos or making notes in the first language and then producing school work in English.

💡Collaborative Learning

Collaborative learning is emphasized in the video as a method where learners work together, potentially in different languages, to achieve a common educational goal. An example given is the use of Google Docs for learners to communicate and write together, leveraging online translation tools to facilitate understanding.

Highlights

Trans languaging is a pedagogical strategy that intentionally combines two or more languages in the classroom.

Pedagogical trans languaging was coined by Cenoz and Gauthier, emphasizing its relevance for classroom teachers.

The approach uses all available languages of learners for teaching and learning purposes.

Bilingual and multilingual glossaries can support learners with English as an Additional Language (EAL).

Focusing on differences between languages can improve learners' English language spelling skills.

Drafting in a first language before translating into English can produce higher quality writing.

Learners can conduct research in their first language to enhance understanding before English lessons.

Khan Academy is a useful resource for learners to use in their first language.

Group discussions in the first language can facilitate brainstorming before reporting in English.

Trans languaging conveys that multilingualism and learners' backgrounds are valued in the school environment.

Maintaining the first language helps with motivation and the development of the second language.

Concepts are transferable across languages, making initial engagement in the first language beneficial.

Trans languaging encourages the use of the first language in the classroom for all learners.

Home can be a natural environment for trans languaging with family members speaking the home language.

Learners can watch videos or make notes in their first language for later discussion or writing in English.

Parents or carers can be involved in discussions in the first language to support learning.

Trans languaging can be used for collaborative learning online with tools like Google Docs.

Google Translate can facilitate communication between different languages in online collaborative work.