Navigating Multilingual Classrooms: Challenges and Strategies in English Language Teaching in Colleges of Kashmir Valley

Abstract

Teaching and learning practices in ESL (English in a Second Language) classrooms at the undergraduate level in India, particularly in Kashmir Valley, pose significant challenges. These challenges arise from the diverse linguistic backgrounds of the students. In Kashmir Valley, English is taught as a second language at both college and university levels in public and private sectors. Generally, English is a compulsory subject from schools to universities. This research investigates the challenges that occur and the resultant strategy that ESL teachers use to manage multilingual classrooms at the undergraduate level in Kashmir Valley colleges. The study employs a qualitative research paradigm, utilising structured online interviews with undergraduate teachers from various colleges, namely Government Degree College Shopian, Government Degree College Kulgam, Government Degree College Anantnag, Government Degree College Baramulla, and SSM College Srinagar, all affiliated with the University of Kashmir. The study highlights that the diverse linguistic backgrounds of students require teachers to use multiple strategies in ESL classrooms to cater to these differences. These strategies have varying impacts on the learners' performance.