English Learners/Multilingual Students' Transitions to and Experiences in Higher Education

Manka Varghese, associate professor, College of Education, University of Washington.

Professor Manka Varghese describes English learners/multilingual students’ transitions to and experiences in higher education, and demonstrates their multidimensionality. Rather than viewing these students through the lens of linguistic deficit, she suggests that it is more appropriate to consider the various resources they have available, such as: how to use different languages in different contexts, or for different audiences; using their many languages as an integrated communication system; and other resources from their communities. Professor Varghese proposes a framework for teaching, conducting research, and creating programs that centers emergent multilingual students’ postsecondary transitions and experiences.