Translanguaging in the Undergraduate Nursing Classroom: An Educational Innovation.

BACKGROUND

Translanguaging is "the act performed by bilinguals of accessing different linguistic features or various modes of what are described as autonomous languages in order to maximize communicative potential" (Skutnabb-Kangas et al., 2009). Translanguaging can be used as a tool to empower undergraduate nursing students to use their chosen strongest written language for assignments.

METHOD

Students in an undergraduate nursing elective course at a large, public urban university could submit specific noncollaborative (solo) assignments in their language.

RESULTS

Three students in a class section of a total of nine students chose to submit one or more assignments in a language other than English. Students reported that this experience was unique and empowering. The instructor noted a difference in the writing level in the language of choice other than English.

CONCLUSION

Nursing educators should consider allowing and/or encouraging students to submit specific written assignments in their chosen language.