Exploring the Pedagogical Potential of Didactic Audiovisual Translation in Plurilingual Pre-school Education: A Mixed Methods Study with Pre-service Teachers

Introduction: This study investigates the perception and pedagogical viability of Didactic Audiovisual Translation (DAT) in plurilingual education among pre-service pre-school teachers, using mixed methods. It explores the effectiveness of DAT—didactic free commentary in particular—for language acquisition, as well as its suitability for fostering Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and contributing to the improvement of foreign language proficiency. Despite previous research on DAT, there is a shortage of studies focused on early childhood education, underscoring the relevance of this work. Methodology: The study involves 103 pre-service teachers and utilizes questionnaires and focus groups to analyze the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of integrating DAT into CLIL practices. Results: Overall, the findings underline participants’ confidence in the capacity of free commentary to enrich the educational experiences of their future students, while acknowledging associated challenges and emphasizing the ongoing need for exploration and refinement for effective integration. Discussion: The findings suggest adapted approaches for plurilingual instruction in pre-school and highlight areas for future research in this educational field. The integration of DAT into CLIL offers opportunities to promote plurilingualism and enhance linguistic and cultural competence. KEYWORDS: Didactic audiovisual translation (DAT); pre-school education; CLIL; pre-service teachers; free commentary.