Addressing Translanguaging Pedagogy: Enhancing Language Learning for young learners

Abstract

The Colombian government and the Ministry of Education have been implementing English language policies to prepare citizens for globalized opportunities. Consequently, some institutions prioritize English as the medium of instruction, displacing learners' mother tongues and affecting the language learning process. This study addresses this issue by advocating for flexible pedagogies, specifically a translanguaging approach, to enhance the English learning process in a group of young learners. The intervention involved integrating Spanish into English classes to support comprehension and engagement. Qualitative methods were used to capture students' experiences during the implementation of the pedagogical translanguaging approach. The findings reveal that translanguaging positively influenced students' confidence, participation, and understanding, fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment. This study concludes that leveraging students' full linguistic repertoire enhances their learning experience and promotes meaningful language learning.