Language Immersion schools were once rare, but are now gaining popularity with parents that want a well-rounded education for their child. Language Immersion is still a relatively new concept, but it has proven to be effective in delivering a well-rounded and comprehensive education to students. When Language Immersion was first introduced in the United States in 1971, there were only three programs. Today, there are nearly 4,000 Language Immersion programs offered in the US. Of these programs, 80% are Spanish programs and 9% are Chinese.
If you are considering enrolling your child in a Language Immersion program and are assessing whether Language Immersion is right for your child, considering the components of its curriculum is a great place to start.
In this article, we are going to talk more about Language Immersion, its benefits, and what the curriculum of a Language Immersion school might look like so that you can make the best decision for your child.
What Is Language Immersion School?
Language Immersion is an education model where students are taught core subjects in a secondary language.
For example, if a student’s primary language is English, they may be taught a few subjects each day in French or Spanish at a Language Immersion school. Students within the classroom may have different primary languages.
The idea behind this education model is that the student will become bilingual or multilingual, and as a result, their cognitive abilities will be enhanced. There are many benefits that have been linked to bilingualism, which we will explore later on in this article.
Different Types of Language Immersion
There are three main types of Language Immersion programs available to students in North America. They are:
- Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE)
- Dual Language Education (DLE)
- Foreign Language Immersion (FLI)
Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE)
In regions where there is a large diaspora population or a large population on non-native English speakers, TBE is common. The aim of TBE is to help these students transition from primarily speaking their native language to primarily speaking English, whilst still learning academic concepts effectively.
Students who are enrolled in a TBE program will be taught in their native language for a certain number of hours each week. The rest of the time will be spent learning in English. The idea is that the students will gradually become more comfortable with using English and eventually be able to transition into an all-English classroom setting.
Dual Language Education (DLE)
Dual Language Education programs are similar to Transitional Bilingual Education programs, but they are designed for native English speakers that want to learn a second language.
Students attending a DLE program will be taught in both English and the target language (for example, Spanish) for equal amounts of time. The aim is for students to become proficient in both languages by the time they graduate the program.
Foreign Language Immersion (FLI)
Foreign Language Immersion programs are designed for native English speakers that want to learn a second language. However, unlike Dual Language Education programs, students in an FLI program will be taught in the target language (for example, Spanish) for the majority of the time.
Students will only have English classes for a couple of hours each week. The aim of an FLI program is for the student to become fluent in the target language during a short duration.
Benefits of Language Immersion Curriculum
Substantial research validates the benefits of Language Immersion Schools and so it is no surprise that they are becoming popular. Here are a few of the benefits of Language Immersion curriculum.
Comprehensive Language Learning Environment
One benefit of Language Immersion schools is that they present a comprehensive and engaging environment for learning languages. Students are not just taught the language in a classroom setting, but they are also exposed to it through other aspects of the school day, such as lunchtime, breaks, and extracurricular activities.
This allows students to immerse themselves in the language and even start thinking and dreaming in the language.
Improved Cognitive Abilities
There have been numerous studies that demonstrate the link between bilingualism and enhanced cognitive abilities. For example, a study by Ellen Bialystok found that bilingualism can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by up to 5 years.
Other studies have found that bilingual education can improve problem-solving skills, memory, and concentration. So if you’re looking for a way to give your child a cognitive edge, enrolling them in a Language Immersion school could be the answer.
Cultural Awareness and Understanding
One of the great things about learning a second language is that it opens up a whole new culture. At a Language Immersion school, students are exposed to the culture of the target language on a daily basis.
This helps to promote tolerance and understanding of different cultures from an early age. It also gives students a better understanding of their own culture and how it compares to others.
Use Foreign Languages in the Real World
One of the most potent benefits of a Language Immersion school is that it allows students the ability and opportunity to use foreign languages in the real world.
With the world becoming increasingly globalized, the ability to communicate in multiple languages is an invaluable skill that will give your child a leg-up in the job market.
What To Look For In A High-Quality Language Immersion Curriculum
If you have decided that a Language Immersion education is right for your child and you are shopping for the best school, here are some factors to consider when evaluating curriculum.
Established Goals
A successful and high-quality Language Immersion program will have a set of clear and established goals for both students and the school. Learn what the student goals are and how they are measured. Also learn about your state and local standards for Language Immersion programs and ensure that the school is meeting these goals.
Learning Targets
What are your child’s learning targets? How are they communicated? How are they measured? What happens if your child fails to reach these targets or is ahead of these targets? The answers to these questions will guide your decision regarding a specific school.
Organized Lessons
An important feature of a high-quality Language Immersion program is the organization of lessons. The lessons should be organized by themes that are relevant to the language, culture, and content.
Literacy Development
It is important to understand the role of literacy development in the secondary language being learned. How is this monitored?
Revisions and Updates
As new research emerges, what is the process of revising and updating curriculum? Is there a regular review process?
Language Immersion schools are becoming increasingly popular as parents look for ways to give their children a competitive edge in a multi-cultural world.
Different types of program have their own advantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your child’s needs.
If you’re considering enrolling your child in a Language Immersion school, start applying to and touring schools so that you can evaluate which one is best for your family.