Language
immersion is “a method of teaching language, usually a second language in which
the target language is used as both curriculum content and media of
instruction.” This means that the usual curricular activities are conducted in
the second language (Bostwick, n.d.). On the other hand, bilingual education
means the “practice of teaching non-English children in their native language,
while they are learning English” (“Bilingual education”, n.d.). The bilingual
students are schooled separately from the English Speakers for most of the
school days.
There are
growing arguments whether bilingual education is the answer to the issue on how to teach academic subjects to English Language Learners. Supporters of bilingual education argue that schools should build upon the minority child’s
language and culture (“Speaking of learning,” n.d.). They believe that children
will learn English and yet continue to progress with their academic subjects
such as math and science when they are taught academic subject using their
primary language and at the same time offering English language instruction
(“Speaking of learning,” n.d.). They further contend that they can transition
to the mainstream classes when they have mastered the English language. In
contrast, critics of bilingual education claim that putting them into
bilingual classes will impede their ability to acquire the English language
quickly. Also, research shows that bilingual programs are ineffective and even
if it works, it works only if the writings are similar in the two languages
(“Speaking of learning,” n.d.). Lastly, they have a better option – immersion.
In the
meantime, research shows that over the past thirty years, teaching English in isolation
has shifted to immersion by integrating language and content (Bostwick, n.d.).
Pro-English supporters contend that language is acquired best when it is
learned in meaningful social context. According to research, students in
English Immersion has reported better result than students in bi-lingual
program (“Bilingual education,” n.d.). Further, as outlined by Bostwick,
immersion students (i) outperform students in traditional foreign language
classes as regards foreign language skills, (ii) do as well or better than
students in “first-language” only classes, and (iii) immersion students are
more aware of and show positive attitudes towards other culture.
Withal, I
personally favor immersion as regards English Language Learners. Students who
are in immersion class, listen, absorb and speak the language naturally like a
child learning how to talk for the first time. For sure there will be a
struggle in the early part of immersion program, but students learn quickly
from their peers and adapt easily to their environment. However, while it is
important for the English Learners to learn quickly the second language, it is
equally important to preserve their primary language too. With that in mind, we
might consider partial or two-way immersion program instead of total immersion.
References
-------------------------------
Bilingual education.
ProEnglish, n.d. Retrieved 17 March 2014 from https://www.proenglish.org/projects/bilingual-education.html
Bostwick, Mike. What is immersion? Retrieved 16 March 2014
from http://www.bi-lingual.com/school/INFO/WhatIsImmersion.html
Speaking of Learning: Bilingual Education. Roundtable, Inc.
Retrieved 16 March 2014from http://www.pbs.org/kcet/publicschool/roots_in_history/bilingual.html
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