Bilingual education is teaching and learning in two languages—one that the student already speaks and one that the student is learning. Students in bilingual programs learn their new language by using it in a broad range of subjects, including math, science, history, and language arts. In traditional foreign language study, students use their new language only in their foreign language class.
Bilingual education has existed in various forms for centuries. Modern approaches to bilingual education differ chiefly in three areas: (1) the grade levels at which languages are introduced or ended, (2) the amount of teaching conducted in each language, and (3) the degree to which students who are native speakers of the two languages mix with one another.
Two-way bilingual education
—also called dual language education or developmental bilingual education—involves teaching in two languages to all participating students. Many programs in the United States, for instance, combine English-speaking students with native Spanish speakers. The students progress together through all the grade levels in the program, with some subjects taught in Spanish and others taught in English. Two-way programs provide opportunities for the students to help one another develop language skills and understand class instruction.
Immersion education
involves teaching students exclusively in the new language for a certain number of years. Immersion education programs may begin at any grade level. When programs begin in kindergarten, children are usually immersed (taught exclusively) in the new language for two to three years. Once the children are fluent in the new language, the teacher uses the children’s native language in some subjects. Usually after five to seven years, the students learn equally well in both languages. Immersion education techniques were first developed in Canada to help students become fluent in both French and English.
Transitional bilingual education
provides students with instruction in some subjects in their native language while they learn the majority language through other subjects. In most transitional programs, students move into full-time instruction in the majority language after three or four years. Some students then participate in maintenance bilingual programs. Such programs seek to maintain the students’ fluency in their native language when most or all instruction is in the majority language.
Issues in bilingual education.
Many educators believe that bilingual programs have a beneficial impact on education as a whole. Some studies have shown that students who spend at least six years in two-way programs score higher on school tests than those schooled in only one language. In addition, many parents want their children to learn a second language to prepare for future work, travel, or personal relations.
However, some people oppose bilingual education because they fear it may lead to a loss of national identity. In the United States, many bilingual programs have been threatened by funding problems, lack of community support, and teacher shortages.
See also Education (Bilingual education) ; Hispanic Americans (Education. ) ; Multiculturalism .
