This study reviews a mixed-methods pilot investigation into multilingual education in Spain's Valencian region. Grounded in Ecological Systems Theory and Translanguaging Theory, it examined four educators who have taught through the language use policy changes of the last twenty years. Self-efficacy and pedagogy practices were gathered through semi-structured interviews, surveys, and a subsequent case study of one male participant. All were from Castellon de la Plana and Almassora, proficient in Valencian, Spanish, and English. Two participants are female and two participants are male.
The research explored self-efficacy beliefs, perceptions of multilingualism's benefits, and confidence in fostering inclusive environments. The study combined three established scales: the Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES), the Multicultural Efficacy Scale (MES), and the Teacher Multicultural Attitude Survey (TMAS). Quantitative analysis revealed distinct distributions in self-efficacy and linguistic strategies, with self-efficacy data showing normal distribution and linguistic strategies deviating significantly. Educators reported high confidence in incorporating multilingualism into teaching but lower confidence in implementing language diversity strategies. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified five key themes, including confidence in multilingual communication and a preference for speaking Spanish over Valencian. This study is significant as it addresses the practical challenges and motivations of educators in a multilingual region, providing insights for enhancing professional development and support systems. By examining regional language policies and educators' experiences, the research offers a nuanced perspective on effective multilingual programs. These findings are relevant for informing multilingual education policies globally, emphasizing the importance of balancing cultural preservation with practical language use.

Authors:
Anastasia Proctor, University of North Carolina Charlotte, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Anastasia Proctor is a University Doctoral Student at University of North Carolina Charlotte in United States

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/acproctor/

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