What does the scientific research say?
Research indicates positive cognitive gains in the following areas:
Concept formation
Classification skills
Analogical reasoning
Visual-spatial skills
Story-telling skills
Ability to focus
Creativity
In addition, research has shown that bilingualism/multilingualism delays the onset of dementia and Alzheimers.
Concept formation
Classification skills
Analogical reasoning
Visual-spatial skills
Story-telling skills
Ability to focus
Creativity
In addition, research has shown that bilingualism/multilingualism delays the onset of dementia and Alzheimers.
What do Educators say?
Dual language programs have helped close the achievement gaps. The recent move away from traditional bilingual education toward English language immersion was meant to help English Language Learners (ELL) catch up with English speaking peers. Instead, standardized test scores from 2003 to 2010 show a widening achievement gap. Numerous studies demonstrate that ELLs become more fluent in English when they learn to read in their primary language. In 2004, Virginia P. Collier and Wayne P. Thomas from George Mason University published an 18-year longitudinal study of dual language programs in 23 school districts and 15 states. They found that dual language immersion fully closes the achievement gap between ELLs and native speakers of English.
In addition, dual language programs have helped create a more positive school culture. Collier and Thomas discovered that the effectiveness of dual language education extends beyond academic outcomes. The entire school community benefits when multiple languages and cultural heritages are validated and respected. Friendships bridge class and language barriers. Teachers report higher levels of job satisfaction. Parents from both language groups participate more actively in schools.
Thank you for adding this DLP Research Tab and adding the interesting articles on scientific research, the link to the great New York Times article regarding bilingualism's affects on the brain and possibly delaying the onset of Alzheimers, as well as the other positive affects of bilingualism. It was also terrific to have a link to the slides. Well done and thanks for the information.
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