Two-way immersion programs take place in schools where half the population is fluent in English, and learning the new target language, while the other half are native speakers of the target language, learning English. These programs take place in all subjects, not just English and foreign language. This means that students will be learning science in two languages, helping them learn a language in a more realistic setting. Meshing two groups of students who speak different languages together in a classroom helps because the students can work together to support one another's learning. They are able to offer their advice in situations that might not normally occur.
Why?
There are two kinds of dual immersion, the other form being one-way immersion. In one-way immersion programs, none of the students have prior experience with the target language. I chose two-way immersion, because I feel as though the students will benefit more from working together, rather than depending on the teacher for all of the new information. In addition to student help, there will be two teachers in the classroom as well. One will be certified to teach in English, and the other, in my scenario, will be licensed in Spanish. All of this available help fosters a healthy and collaborative learning environment. However, you cannot lose with dual immersion. Whichever form you choose, there will be numerous benefits.
Dual immersion allows students to think differently, recognize patterns, and raises their ability to problem solve. Studies have also shown that bilingual speakers have enhanced metalinguistic awareness levels, making them very skilled in manipulating language. This ability is extremely useful.
Dual immersion can also serve as a solution for minimizing the achievement gap. It has been proven that students who speak a native language different than English at home will not succeed in subjects like reading and writing, while native English speakers do. Furthermore, they will be more likely to not graduate from high school and will more likely to not attend college. However, if they participate in a dual immersion program, their academic success can be altered significantly. In one study, dual immersion students were shown to be seven months ahead in their fifth grade reading skills, and ahead by nine months in eighth grade. This sets them far ahead and makes them more likely to succeed.
Dual immersion students succeed in more areas than solely academics as well. One mother spoke about her son's experience at a dual immersion school, and how he was influenced. Being in a dual immersion school allowed him to see the big picture, and he was able to understand diversity in socioeconomic status, race, and culture. In his school, which was split between native English and native Spanish speaker, this individual recognized the school's effort to make kids comfortable with their cultural identities.
Lastly, dual immersion backs you up in the worst case scenarios. A bilingual person has a very strong brain from knowing 2 languages. Due to this strength in certain sections of the brain, it is easier for bilinguals to recover from brain injuries. In addition, it can delay the onset of Alzheimer's and dementia. While this may not be the happiest topic to discuss, it is extremely impressive.
When should we start?
As soon as possible! It's true what they say about kids brains being sponges - they learn super fast! Sure, my program would be implemented into a middle school, where it would succeed, but why not start earlier? Not only will it be easier for a child to learn a language at a younger age, but it will prove to have even more benefits later on!
Sources:
American Councils for International Education “WHY THE DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION APPROACH WILL CHANGE ACHIEVEMENT IN AMERICAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.” American Councils for International Education, www.americancouncils.org/news/why-dual-language-immersion-approach-will-change-achievement-american-public-schools.
Language and Identity in a Dual Immersion School
Potowski, Kim. Language and Identity in a Dual Immersion School, Multilingual Matters, 2007. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/smcvt/detail.action?docID=282690.
School District of Beloit
“Dual Language Immersion Programs.” School District of Beloit News, 19 Aug. 2013, beloitschools.org/dual-language-immersion-programs/.
The Unique Skills and Traits of Principals in One-Way and Two-Way Dual Immersion Schools
Rocque, Ryan, et al. “The Unique Skills and Traits of Principals in One-Way and Two-Way Dual Immersion Schools.” EBSCO Discovery Service, 1 Dec. 2016,
Windom Dual Immersion School “Benefits of Dual Immersion.” Windom Dual Immersion School, windom.mpls.k12.mn.us/benefits_of_spanish_dual_immersion.
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