Using digital translanguaging in mathematics education to promote participation of multilingual students

In mathematics education, many newly arrived migrant students cannot realize their full learning potential due to school language barriers. This problem results in feelings of exclusion and low mathematics outcomes. This research project focuses on computer-assisted strategies that use the home language to improve inclusion and achievement in mathematics education.

Once during class, when I couldn’t get something as seemingly simple as the difference between even and odd numbers explained in Dutch, I used a translation app to explain it in the home language. I immediately saw eyes light up upon hearing the explanation in the home language and the student said, “but I’ve already learned this in my own country!” Then he completed the assignment smoothly and even explained the lesson – including the Dutch vocabulary – to a classmate. This is something I need to do more often, I decided. But how? And so this research project was born. -PhD researcher Hanneke Baart

For more information about the subproject ‘Translanguaging and Digital Tools’ contact Hanneke Baart, h.s.thart-baart@uu.nl