How Should Schools Approach Bilingual Education?

Until reading about bilingual education, I never realized how much contraversy revolved around the topic. It seems that educators are divided on what is the best way to serve students, and there is a lot of debate over bilingual education. Proponents of bilingual education emphasize that it's useful to teach children in their native language, and it has a lot of benefits. It helps children to stay connected with their heritage, and some also believe its helps the child better succeed when learning English. Bilingual education opponents on the other hand, argue that having the child taught in their native language hinders the child's development of the English language. There are various approaches used when a student's primary language is NOT English. However, which way is best? I want to examine the various ways, and then provide my opinion on what I think bilingual education should be like.

One way schools approach students whose primary language is NOT English, is through immersion programs. Immersion programs, in my opinion, have a "sink or swim" philosophy. There are different types of immersion programs, however these programs are most focused upon developing English language proficiency through direct contact with the language. These programs are meant to immerse students in the American way of life, starting with the language. In this type of program, all students are taught as if they have the same cultural background and values. A lot of educators believe that by constantly exposing the students to English, they will assimilate to the culture and language much faster. Overall, in these programs students are expected to learn English as best as they can with very few resources provided.

Another way schools approach bilingual education is through transitional programs. Transitional programs teach some subjects to the student in their native language, and gradually switch the language of instruction to English after a few years. There are two types of transitional programs, early transition and late transition programs. Early transition, teaches students in their native language in kindergarten and first grade, and then the transition to English comes in the second and third grade. Late transition programs, lengthen the instruction in their native language until elementary and doesn't start the transition to English until late elementary school, early middle school. Some studies prove that a late transition program has better results than an early transition program. However, most importantly transitional programs prove that students who are being taught in their native language, are not delayed in their acquisition of English as people argue. Students taught in their native language are able to perform at the level of English proficient students or better.

Lastly, schools may approach bilingual education using the paired bilingual education, or the two-way bilingual education. These programs are very similar and alternate teaching using the student's native language and English at different times of the day. In other words, instructions are given in the student's native language and in English at different times during the day. The only difference between the paired bilingual program and the two-way program, is that the two way program also teaches a second language to native English speakers.  These are ultimately the most popular types of programs, and when implemented correctly that are extremely successful.

In my opinion, I favor the transitional program the most. However, I am not against the paired bilingual and two-way bilingual programs. I definitely oppose the immersion program. I think immersion programs are very degrading and can lower the self-esteem of an English language learner. I think this type of program is very conforming, and doesn't allow the student to hold on to their original heritage. If a student isn't able to keep up or understand, then they will lose motivation. I couldn't imagine having a test handed to me in English and have no idea what it is asking. I think these programs treat the students as if they have the same values and are from the same backgrounds, and thats certainly not the case. What I liked about the transition, the paired bilingual, and the two-way programs is that they allow the student to hold onto their original language and heritage. These programs don't force the students to conform to English and forget everything else. I think these programs allow children to have higher-self esteem. If they are given a test in their native language, and can do well, it proves to them they have the capacity to understand the material. It's not like the immersion programs, where they receive a test in English and believe they can't grasp the concepts and lose all motivation. I think these types of programs allow the children to see that their struggles are because of the language barrier, and not due to their capacity to learn. Overall, bilingual education is a highly debated topic. After doing some research, it has help me define my stance in the issue. I hope this post educates fellow aspiring teachers on the different approaches to bilingual education.

Controversy Over Bilingual Education Programs

English Immersion Programs

Transitional Programs

Paired Bilingual Programs

Two Way Bilingual Education