Building Bridges Through Research

Students undertaking Educational Research with the English Language and Literature (ELL) Department recently completed a field study in Madurai, India, exploring translanguaging practices and the use of English and Tamil in bilingual classrooms under the supervision of Dr Anitha Devi Pillai. This hands-on research offered deeper insights than literature reviews alone, allowing students to observe how language practices and pedagogy adapt to diverse learner needs across CBSE, IGCSE, and State Board classrooms.

Importantly, the trip also provided opportunities for students to build networks and bridges with language educators in another part of the world, reminding us that language educators do not teach in isolation but as part of a wider community of practice across borders.

 “It was eye-opening to see how even native speakers code-switch during lessons and how teachers adapt to students’ needs. Observing classes firsthand showed us how translanguaging can be purposeful. This authentic experience is very useful in writing my paper and I’m excited to bring these ideas into my future teaching.” Kajol Revi

“The student-centered, values-driven philosophy we saw was inspiring. Students were engaged, asked thoughtful questions, and took ownership of learning. It made me reflect on how classrooms can be more vibrant. I’m eager to integrate approaches like student-led discussions and values-based learning.” Shruthika Kumar

“This research trip showed us how language education is shaped by culture and context. It reminded us that research is not just about collecting data but about learning from people and practices on the ground. These insights will enrich our papers and shape our future teaching.” Nandini Sivakumar

Such field research experiences nurture students as reflective educators and researchers, equipping them to contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s language education landscape while deepening their understanding of how translanguaging can support diverse learners in multilingual classrooms.

Photos from the trip:

At the entrance of the research site – the host school

A cultural field trip to Keezhadi Archaeological Site with artefacts from the 6th century BCE

With the English language teachers in India