Based on bilingual education, where do you stand on the issue of providing instruction.....?

Question

Based on bilingual education, where do you stand on the issue of providing instruction in the native language for students or immersing them in the regular classroom? Do you think it's best to teach students in their own language or is it best to include them in the regular classroom and let them overcome their language barrier on their own? Explain your reasons for your position.

Answer 1

In the US I think it makes most sense, both economically and for the benefit of the students, to teach them English as quickly a possible, then put them in regular classes. They may be one year behind, but should more easily excel in the classroom and in life once they can speak and understand the most commonly used language here. They should also be encouraged to continue to speak their native language too at home, with family and friend etc. and not to give it up. That will give them at an advantage by being bi-lingual.  There would be a lot less money spent on hiring so many teachers of so many different languages to teach the same subjects. Also, less of a financial burden in  school districts that may have large populations of children from several different non-English speaking cultures.

Answer 2

As a kid that grew up abroad, it helped a lot that my father kept us exposed to the country's language. He had us write compositions in English and checked them when we were done, pointing out the correct grammar and spelling.

YOu could give them composition tasks as such and make sure to minimize the use of their native language as much as possible. Try explaining difficult words using simple words.

Include them in the same group level but an additional intensive class will help a lot.

Answer 3

I'm sure it is best for the student's retention and understanding to be taught in their native language.  That only seems to be common sense....It would be prudent to learn the language of the country you are going to school in.

If you are learning a language, however, it is actually easiest to be immersed in it;   You get more practice and hear more of it spoken that way.

Answer 4

using the target language is the best strategy to teach any language.

try to avoid long and complicated instruction. if you have to then use very limited amount of the native L (no more than one two words...)

Answer 5

I think all instruction should be bilingual (or even trilingual) ... students who receive instruction through only their vernacular medium are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to communicating outside of their society as a whole. I'm not saying that it is impossible for them to communicate effectively; there will always be those exceptional cases that overcome the communication barrier, but they certainly are at a disadvantage.

There is also the social aspect to it ... people who are brought up learning only through their native language, tend to socialize only with their peers (obviously) and this kind of fosters ignorance and sometimes antagonism towards others. Multilingual education on the other hand exposes students to different perspectives and makes them well-rounded individuals and also provides them with better employment opportunities (IMHO).