Double Immersion Education: Linking Bilingualism and Multicultural Sensitivity with Future Success
Abstract
Bilingualism imparts extensive benefits, including increased cognitive function, competent intercultural communication ability, and heightened career marketability. The most fertile ground for gaining such beneficial language skills is found in the minds of young children. Yet, most youth in the United States do not have the opportunity to begin learning a second language until high school, when they have all but passed the prime years to do so. At this point, the process is not impossible, but it becomes distinctly more difficult. Double immersion education is an alternative approach that capitalizes on the natural ability of young children to learn additional languages, by providing educational instruction in a second language from the earliest school years. This allows children to learn the second language effortlessly by exposure and use, much in the same way that they learned their first language.
This research project investigates the immersion educational approach, including its historical challenges and benefits. It seeks to set forth a comprehensive view of the topic by considering both the findings of scholarly research from the Spanish speaking world as well as student outcomes and impact of the Fayette County Public School System’s Spanish Immersion Program. Using this information, the project advocates for the increased implementation of double immersion education programs in the United States. Such an expansion would better equip students with important skills for success in our increasingly multicultural society.
Double Immersion Education: Linking Bilingualism and Multicultural Sensitivity with Future Success
Bilingualism imparts extensive benefits, including increased cognitive function, competent intercultural communication ability, and heightened career marketability. The most fertile ground for gaining such beneficial language skills is found in the minds of young children. Yet, most youth in the United States do not have the opportunity to begin learning a second language until high school, when they have all but passed the prime years to do so. At this point, the process is not impossible, but it becomes distinctly more difficult. Double immersion education is an alternative approach that capitalizes on the natural ability of young children to learn additional languages, by providing educational instruction in a second language from the earliest school years. This allows children to learn the second language effortlessly by exposure and use, much in the same way that they learned their first language.
This research project investigates the immersion educational approach, including its historical challenges and benefits. It seeks to set forth a comprehensive view of the topic by considering both the findings of scholarly research from the Spanish speaking world as well as student outcomes and impact of the Fayette County Public School System’s Spanish Immersion Program. Using this information, the project advocates for the increased implementation of double immersion education programs in the United States. Such an expansion would better equip students with important skills for success in our increasingly multicultural society.
