Immersion Japanese

Immersion Japanese

In many international conflicts through an interlocking global economy and the shrinking nature of our techno-driven world, learning languages no longer can be considered an elective subject, but should be a basic need for modern education.

Normally, we put language learning on hold for much of elementary school, but this is the time when children's minds are more apt to absorb the words and language.

Schools across the country are realizing this need and the implementation of Dual Language Education.

Neighborhood schools to the charters and magnets, these schools are providing their students with greater opportunity to compete academically with students abroad by diversifying their skill sets in areas of communication, problem solving, critical thinking and analysis. Some educational leaders are even predicting that education in two languages will be the future of American schools.

Dual Language Education vs. ESL / ESOL

Bilingual education often confused with ESL / ESOL programs. While there are similarities between the two, there are important differences in their agendas.

The Breakdown: Compare and contrast

Dual Language Education

• Whole school approach
• Objective: Provide ALL students with the skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) necessary to become fluent in both languages
• Programs usually start at an early age (kindergarten or grade 1) and continue for at least five years
• Students choose to enroll automatically at school
• Depending on the type of program requirements are placed in instructional time in language partner
• Not available in all schools

ESL / ESOL

• Select group of students from
• Objective: Provide to non-native English students with appropriate skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) necessary for academic success
• Input program is on an individual basis and may begin at any level for any length of
• Students may choose or be chosen based on the input tests / level tests
• Program is complementary to the class curriculum
• Most public schools have ESL / ESOL

Variation in Dual Language Education

In recent years there has been a steady increase in the number of dual language programs in the United States. Results vary by type of program and structure in place but the overall results remain positive. Parents and educators have had great interest in these programs because they feel they will give students thinking strategies, multi-level, language skills stronger, more communication and skills to succeed in the interdependent world.

Dual language programs can be classified into four categories:

1. Two-Way Immersion - This type of program requires an enrollment of English, both local students and students native-speaking language partner. Schools may choose to implement programs that are either full immersion (model 50/50) or partial immersion (90-10 model). Both immersion programs have been shown to have high success rates.
2. Heritage Language Programs - Participants of this program are dominant language in the English language, but have parents, grandparents and other ancestors fluency partner. This program addresses linguistic heritage needs of students.
3. Foreign Language Immersion - Also known as a form of immersion, Foreign language immersion involves students who are native English speakers hoping to become fluent in the language of partners. It's more about spending part of their day in the class of Spanish or French class.
4. Bilingual Development - Enrollment in this type of program is specifically for those who are native speakers of a couple. Participants in this program will develop the necessary skills and not just Stratgie to succeed academically, but also be fully competent and comfortable in both languages.

Currently, the vast majority of programs dual language in the U.S. are in English and Spanish but others with the growing popularity are: Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

These variations in the languages are determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to, school district demographics, the needs of the community, and the educator or the interest of students. Dual language programs are most commonly used in states like Texas, New Mexico, California and Hawaii, however, schools the country are studying the implementation of such curriculum.

Dual Language Education Success

Course Singapore national bilingual education policy is an excellent example of the success of these programs can be.

By government order, students in the Singapore's education system are required to learn two languages, English and one of the other three main official languages of the country (Mandarin, Malay or Tamil). This has allowed nearly the entire population literate in Singapore to be fully bilingual, whereas unification of all all members of their nation without sacrificing to any property.

About the Author:

E.K. Garcia is a writer for www.TeachHUB.com-- a new, free online resource center specific to the needs of K-12 students and educators. This stand-alone resource center has made thousands of classroom-tested and teacher-approved strategies, tools and recommendations available in one convenient location. For more professional development opportunities, and classroom resources relating to multicultural education and all other topics within the K-12 education world as well as other articles by E.K. Garcia, please visit www.TeachHUB.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Dual Language Education