In this article, we discussed the meaning of bilingual education, characteristics, the strategies furthermore we also talked about the benefits and effect.
Definition
Bilingual education is a teaching method that uses two or more languages to teach academic subjects. The goal of bilingual education is to help students become flowing and cultured in both languages.
Here are some characteristics of bilingual education:
Different models
The amount of time spent in each language depends on the model used. Some models use both languages throughout a student’s education, while others gradually transition to one language.
Immersion
In immersion education, students speak and hear the second language almost exclusively in the classroom. Early immersion programs start when students are 5 or 6 years old.
Two-way dual language programs
In these programs, two groups of students with different home languages learn together. The goal is for both groups to become bilingual in both languages.
Honoring the first language
This is a programs often honor students’ first language and culture as a way to help them learn English.
This is different from learning a second language as a subject because both languages are used for instruction in different subjects.
Bilingual Education Strategies
Translanguaging or language mixing is a strategy that stresses using all languages a student knows to support their learning.
Language separation.
Scaffolding.
Recasting.
Bilingual education can have many benefits, including:
Cognitive development
Bilingual children develop a larger cognitive reserve, which can help with stroke recovery and delay the effects of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Language skills
Bilingual children often outperform monolingual children on standardized tests in reading and math. They also develop metalinguistic awareness, which is an understanding of how language works.
Multitasking
It can switch between languages easily, which can help them transition between activities and be more efficient in visual and auditory tasks.
Social skills
Bilingual children are often better at picking up on social cues and are more open to other perspectives.
Cultural awareness
Bilingual children can identify with the traditions and identities of multiple cultures.
Career opportunities
Bilingual children can speak and write fluently in multiple languages, which can lead to a wider range of professional opportunities.
Salary
Bilingual people can earn up to 7% more than monolingual people.
Mother tongue
Using the mother tongue in school can help students develop literacy skills and build a foundation for learning a second language.
This can also help create a more inclusive and diverse society.
Negative Effect of Bilingual Education
Not Being Able to Fully Master Either Language.
Dealing With Language Dominance.
Mixing Languages by Accident.
Facing Prejudice.
Having Different Personalities.
Losing Your Cultural Identity.
Switching Can Be Complicated/Tiring.
Learning Can Be Costly/Time-Consuming
Language confusion
Delayed language development
Learning difficulties
Social and emotional difficulties.
Conclusion
Bilingual education is a teaching method that involves teaching academic content in two languages, such as a native language and a second language. The amount of each language used depends on the program’s goals. Some goals include: Honoring a student’s first language and culture Using a student’s first language to help them learn ,English Helping students become biliterate and master the state curriculum.