It is projected that by the year 2025, one in four K-12 students in the U.S. will be identified as an English learner (EL). The growth of this population is continuing, and educators need to analyze the type of English language development program that they utilize in their schools. The most common is an English immersion program.
In this program, ELs are in general education classes with their native English-speaking peers. There are many benefits to this type of program, but there are also challenges. Being aware of both can help teachers and staff support the ELs in their schools.
Benefits of English Immersion
Learning a new language is a challenging feat. The four domains of language – speaking, reading, listening, and writing – are complex within themselves. Attending school and simultaneously learning the language of instruction and content can seem impossible to many. However, thousands of English learners are doing this every day across the country.
English surrounds these students throughout their entire day. English immersion in schools can lead to improved language skills. ELs are exposed to both social and academic language.
They are watching their peers and teachers interact with language. They can participate in the classroom’s daily routines by quickly acquiring day-to-day language. Over time, ELs will learn the challenging academic language that will help them succeed in schools.
English immersion in schools can increase academic achievement for English learners. When educators take the time to explain complex academic terms at the language proficiency level of their students, ELs will be able to interact with more of the content across all of their classes.
Academic success also grows for ELs when teachers connect content to the culture and past experiences of their English learners. Concepts in a different language will be simple if students realize they already know something about. Connections are extremely important.
Another benefit of English immersion in schools is that English learners will have greater access to educational opportunities. They will be able to participate in clubs and social events. ELs can be on sports teams and participate in other extracurricular activities.
Just like their English-speaking peers, ELs will have the same access to special education services and counseling services. These would not exist if they were not in school. ELs will be informed of opportunities happening in their communities that can benefit both them and their families.
English immersion provides enhanced cultural understanding and appreciation. English learners experience customs of the U.S. being in school, and U.S. born students get to learn about different cultures from their English learner classmates.
Educators must create a time and space for ELs to share their cultures. They will always be exposed to the everyday school culture of U.S. students, but it is imperative to incorporate the culture of all students at the school.
Teachers can look at their curriculum and identify places where they use examples from the home countries of their ELs. Bringing in bits and pieces of culture and asking students to share their own traditions will boost cultural understanding and appreciation at a school.
Another benefit of English immersion for English learners (ELs) or English Language Learners (ELL) is improved cognitive function. By acquiring a new language, ELs can use their higher-order thinking skills and dive deeper into the curriculum.
Educators want students to think creatively, interact with new content, and analyze what they are learning. English immersion helps ELs gain the academic language needed to do that.
Just as there are benefits to English immersion in schools, educators have to be conscious of the challenges as well. If these barriers are overlooked, they will far outweigh any of the benefits of English immersion.
Challenges of English Immersion
Social isolation and emotional challenges top the list of obstacles to English immersion in schools. ELs with low English proficiency levels may be unable to communicate with their teachers and classmates.
Imagine not being able to communicate your needs or comprehend the assignments your teacher is explaining. This social isolation leads to depression or negative behaviors.
Parents of young ELs have reported hearing their children call themselves dumb and stupid because they did not understand the language of instruction. Not knowing how to communicate can make students feel isolated and not part of the school community.
They will feel like outsiders and in the worst-case scenario, choose to drop out of school because of these feelings. Educators have to create a welcoming environment and recognize how challenging it can be especially for newcomer ELs who speak very little English.
Another challenge for English learners is that they may lack parental support. The majority of ELs have parents that do not speak English. ELs have to support and, at times, be the interpreter for the family. These parents cannot help their children with their homework because they do not know the language.
ELs’ parents may also not understand the U.S. education system. They do not know all of the support that exists and may be intimidated to ask for help. These parents may also be working long hours and are not available after school to help their students.
Reports have also found that there are insufficient resources and teaching training on strategies to teach English learners best. Most U.S. states do not have a specified amount of training for general education teachers on how to instruct English learners.
Many teachers must learn how to differentiate their curriculum for varying language proficiency levels. Most textbooks do not have the supports built in for English learners. These challenges affect the achievement gap between English learners and their English-speaking peers.
Although these are serious challenges, as long as educators know and work to overcome them, English immersion in the schools can greatly benefit English learners.
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