The need for language learning is real, and it is now.

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I’m currently a master student in TESOL program at Boston University’s School of Education and I’m preparing to be an English teacher in the future. So I’m concerned about the issues emerged in the language immersion programs.

In order to be more competitive and live productive lives, students in the United States need to master more than one language. However, as language immersion programs have increased during the past 50 years, there are several serious problems existed in a complex setting where the learning of curricular content and second language acquisition are expected to develop concurrently. In addition, teachers are meeting huge challenges in language immersion teaching.

There are five major themes you should know which were addressed by teachers who participated in previous related research (Constance & Diane, 2000):

1. Language and its attendant issues.

2. The balance between language and content.

3. Performance assessment.

4. The spectrum of learners in immersion programs.

5. The sociopolitical context of immersion schooling.

In response, there are eight strategies for improving and sustaining effective dual language programs from the related reports and discussions (Shuhan Wang & Joy Kreeft Peyton, 2016):

1. Policymakers and education leaders should have a vision for, and the will to, develop global competence in all students. Strong and visionary leadership is the key to successful programs.

2. Build grassroots (parents, business and communities) support of constituent groups.

3. Rigorous standards and expectations related to curriculum, instruction, and assessment are in place and communicated clearly.

4. Collaborate across programs, schools, districts, states, and national or international organizations to leverage resources and maximize outcomes.

5. Share success stories which could generate pride, motivation and a sense of achievement among students and parents to advocate for language learning policies and funding streams.

6. Student learning pipelines are open, equitable, and articulated to build high proficiency and literacy in both English and the other language.

7. Teachers are recruited, retained, and supported throughout their professional lives. Effective teachers are crucial to effective programs.

8. Top into new ideas and tools to develop non-traditional spaces for language learning. Which might include rockets, robots and video games that connect students with those in communities around the world speaking the target language.

References

Singmaster, H. (2016, July 09). Ten lessons for language-immersion programs. Retrieved April 17, 2018, from https://miparentscouncil.org/2016/07/09/ten-lessons-for-language-immersion-programs/

Walker, Constance L., & Tedick, Diane J. (2000). The complexity of immersion education: Teachers address the issues. Modern Language Journal, 84(1), 5-27.