Evaluating Pedagogic Translanguaging: Priorities in Foregrounding Context

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Evaluating Pedagogic Translanguaging: Priorities in Foregrounding Context
Language: English
Authors: Maya Alkateb-Chami (ORCID 0000-0001-7020-7347)
Source: International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education. 2026 18(2):279-299.
Availability: International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education. T&K Akademic Rosendalsvein 45, Oslo 1166, Norway. e-mail: iejee@iejee.com; Web site: https://www.iejee.com/index.php/IEJEE/index
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 21
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Teaching Methods, Code Switching (Language), Context Effect, Refugees, Foreign Countries, Arabic, Language of Instruction, Teacher Attitudes, Educational Policy, Models, Literacy, Administrator Attitudes, Multilingualism, English (Second Language), Children
Geographic Terms: Lebanon, Syria
ISSN: 1307-9298
Abstract: As pedagogic translanguaging (PT) gains global traction for its claimed potential to advance social justice, questions arise about its effectiveness across diverse contexts. Responding to this need, this study (a) takes a bird's-eye view approach to the question of which contextual factors to prioritize when evaluating PT's efficacy; and (b) iteratively refines and ground-truths its proposed theoretical framework through empirical research. Specifically, drawing on interviews with teachers and analysis of education policy documents in the context of refugee education in Lebanon, where PT is used in both Arabic-and English-medium classrooms, the study finds that while PT may appear effective within individual classrooms, it can interact with systemic factors to undermine literacy development goals when not designed and implemented within an informed, curriculum-wide plan. Grounded in and illustrated by the case at its center, the study identifies five key contextual considerations to guide the use and assessment of PT: (1) literacy development targets, particularly in which language(s); (2) students' existing language and literacy skills; (3) the language(s) of instruction across school subjects; (4) prevailing language ideologies; and (5) the linguistic distance between the varieties used in PT and those targeted for literacy development. Overall, findings underscore the need for more context-sensitive research, policymaking, and pedagogical design to ensure that PT supports--rather than compromises--multilingual learners' access to quality education.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1505444
Database: ERIC
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