Using a web-based multilingual platform to support elementary refugee students in mathematics

ABSTRACT

This exploratory study reports on the implementation of a novel web-based multilingual learning platform. This tool allows content to be delivered in different languages simultaneously, including languages of the students. In addition, it creates access to content knowledge aligned to the local curriculum, and in doing so, responds to an emerging need of both teachers and learners, in particular in light of an increasing linguistically and culturally diverse context. Our pilot research aimed to examine implementation elements and the perceived potential impact of the platform in mathematics. We conducted our study in an elementary school in the region of Toronto, Canada, attended by a significant number of students with a refugee background. A language biographical approach allowed us to highlight the role of the multilingual access to content knowledge, particularly on learning autonomy. Our results suggest that the use of this multilingual web-based platform may stimulate the learning autonomy of students and a positive attitude towards maths. In addition, our results suggest that additional strategies may be needed to improve the teachers’ ability to implement digital as well as language friendly strategies in their classrooms.

KEYWORDS:

• Multilingualism
• online teaching and learning
• second language education
• gamification
• translanguaging pedagogy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Emmanuelle Le Pichon

Dr. Emmanuelle Le Pichon is Assistant Professor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto, and head of the Centre de Recherches en Education Franco-Ontarienne, Canada.

Jim Cummins

Dr. Jim Cummins is a Professor Emeritus at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto, Canada. His research focuses on literacy development in educational contexts characterized by linguistic diversity.

Jacob Vorstman

Dr. Jacob Vorstman MD, PhD is Associate Professor Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and the Department of Psychiatry of the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.