Translanguaging or Code Switching, this is the position that English Language Learners are in every day. There are many variances in acquisition and developmental patterns in learning a Second Language. Instructional programs for English Language Learners should include cognitive skills, academic content, rate of acquisition, and critical language awareness. Teachers must be aware that simply because English Language Learners are able to speak some words in class, it is not a determining factor if they have acquired sufficient academic language skills. In fact, these students may still need assistance in breaking down different texts or run the risk of falling behind. The article “The Benefits of Code Switching with a Bilingual Education Program” highlights the effectiveness and non-effectiveness of code switching that takes place in immersion classrooms and bilingual classrooms. Teachers in immersion and bilingual classrooms should also allow English Language Learners engage in translanguaging in order to ascertain student success.
Classroom teachers must first
learn and understand the difference between code switching and translanguaging
to adequately meet every student needs. Code switching is associated with fluidly
switching between a language and another without hesitation; for example Sapnish
and English. English Language Learners are essentially alternating between
Spanish and English within a single discourse. Students are exhibiting this
behavior at school, social settings, with friends, and even at home. The
process of code switching allows English Language Learners to communicate more
effectively and is one of the most frequently used forms of communication for
these students. Translanguaging takes it a step ahead and allows Enlgish
Lanuage Learners to use their full language repertoire. The process of language
acquisition starts with the silent period, survival English, next to
conversational English, and leading up mastering English; Translanguaging
allows students to go through this process while using their native language. As
per Krashen, language acquisition does not require extensive use of grammatical
rules and does not require extensive use of tedious drills. In Translanguaging
there is flexibility that allows for teachable moments, increase in basic
conversational skills, child driven instruction, student fulfillment, and
achievable student goal setting. Translanguaging can be used in all aspects of
the classroom life and allows bilingual students to draw on their linguistic
resources. Teachers must be aware that English Language Learners that are
speaking in the classroom are not admitting that they need assistance and are
struggling with academic language. Students do not like to feel like they are
failing and will not admit deficits. Teachers must then develop relationships
and provide students with an array of materials to reinforce new vocabulary and
promote tranlslaguaging corriente. Students that are bilingual must be looked
upon positively and encourage their bilingualism. In addition, students should
not just be looking at new vocabulary words, reading and writing activities, in
just English but tap into their full language resources and not feel obligated
to filter certain features. Students should be able to make personal
connections with the vocabulary and feel comfortable to use it in dialogue.
It is very important for English
Language Learners to use and develop their literacy skills. It is of equal
importance the development of both their native language and second language proficiency.
Students want to learn the new language and vocabulary. They are eager to be
able to use the language socially and with their friends at school. Teachers
must provide students with appropriate materials according to reading levels
and continuously assist even if it seems that the student has acquired the
language. There should always be flexibility that allow students to use their
full language repertoire. The article “The Benefits of Code Switching with a
Bilingual Education Program” concludes that code witching is in fact effective.
Teachers should not stop at code switching but require for Translanguaging to
take place in the learning process as well. Translaguaging allows for bilinguals to make
connections and share out their learning in both languages. Students become more aware of the world around them making
real life connections. Creativity and self-expression are the fundamentals for
English Language Learners in becoming a well rounded student that will
ultimately have the skills necessary to advance in literacy development and be
able to feel confident communicating with peers. Students develop life skills
through Translanguaging, such as, communication skills, problem solving skills,
social and emotional skills. English Language Learners need the flexibility of
using both languages.
The Every Student Succeeds Act: An ESSA Overview. (March 31, 2016) Education Weekly. Retrieved April 28, 2023 from https://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/every-student-succeeds-act/index.html
For Thousands of Dreamers, It has Been a Wild Ride. And It’s Not Over Yet. (April 25, 2018) Miriam Jordan and Sona Patel. Retrieved April 28, 2023 from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/25/us/daca-dreamers-court-ruling.html
