ESL/BL Issue Language Policy - Essay Sample

Understanding more than one language is very important to an individual. Bilingual has been identified as the most assets for students and any society as it equips them with knowledge and skills to handle various challenges that may face them in their lives. For instance, an early second language learned by an individual enriches cognitive development. Therefore, an introduction of bilingual and incorporation of the second language in the education policy helps the student to naturally stand out among their peers since their cognitive development is broadened and enriched. They can handle different situations more maturely and logically. According to Bialystok and Shapero in their studies, they conducted to determine the degree of flexibility with regards to cognitive development; the study found out that bilingual children were more successful then monolingual children (Best).

Research on the bilinguals has accorded asset to bilingual education policy since it betters the understanding and enhances the quick attainment of goal-related information of students abilities. The control group (minority monolinguals) is malnourished linguistically; however, their proficiency may be increased by introducing long-term second language (L2) in study programs. Additionally, bilingual education policy should be enhanced via training on the pedagogy as this spices up the understanding of the concept relayed in class. Bilingual education policy creates potential benefits to schools and societies as it helps in increasing mental flexibility, improving their inter-cultural skills and enhances opportunities for the global exchange of ideas.

The bilingual language immersion contributes immensely to education policy since the second language utilizes the medium of instruction as its major goal. Individuals who are exposed to the bilingual system of education have an advantage over the monolingual education system. Moreover, bilingual education policy enhances blockage of irrelevant information thus those who learn to read and speak in their first language can build on the second language they are exposed. Research has indicated that the bilingual education policy enables exhibit increased self-control which is key in success in school. Introduction of the bilingual education policy envisages global advantage in information management, acculturation, and more job opportunities (Virginia).

The American act of 2014 on the bilingual education policy advocates for equality in education to both minority and majority and all cultures. Global long-term success is tied to bilingual education policy. Also, the policy exposes learners to contextual knowledge and skillful abilities which in turn help individuals to compete effectively in a learning environment. Consequently, exposure to bilingual education creates opportunities for language development. Therefore, the content and language integrated learning (CLIL) offers integrated support to learners who are focused on content as a result of bilingual education policy with regards to academic achievements and language proficiency. A closer look at the bilingual education policy reveals various achievements of bilingual cultures compared an advantage those who are rigid to bilingual education do not have.

Education is a privilege offered in the United States that the children of America take advantage of every day; unfortunately not all the children can enjoy this opportunity since they do not speak the common language. Bilingual education is another avenue that needs to be explored by more school districts across the nation to educate children on other forms of communication. High schools require their students to take a foreign language before graduating, yet an elementary bilingual program is under constant criticism. Bilingual people are rewarded in today's society by the higher wages and better positions. The ridicule of the bilingual education programs that provide students with this wonderful advantage is unfounded and usually due to political misunderstandings. In today's society, being monolingual is no longer a desirable trait; and schools must continue to support children with this special gift of bilingual education. Moreover, in a country of immigrants with different ethnic backgrounds and languages, the retention of ethnicity makes it excel above the rest of the world. Bilingual education has an impressive history, and the arguments against it are usually unfounded (Josefina)

Although the heated debate on the criticism of the bilingual education policy is politically instigated, a tremendous step has been made by the relevant authorities via enacted laws in the constitution to incorporate bilingual education. The policy content that outlaws the bilingual education seems to be overridden as the global community has realized the importance of bilingual education thus fighting for its incorporation in the education systems. Dual language enhances enrichment in the education empowerments to both low socio-economic status individuals and thus bridges the knowledge gap between second language and those whose origin trails the first language taught.

Bilingual education policy promotes gender parity. Studies have it that the bilingual approach uplifts the majority of individuals thus increasing their chances to access better education which further promotes better understanding and interaction between learners. Despite the assets of bilingual education policy, education in the first language is encouraged as it offers a stepping stone to understanding the second language. Language plays an important role in the development of content and relaying information. Research in the United States suggests that bilingual education offers the best way to educate the ELLs who are in the United States. The aim of bilingual education, in this case, is to fully equip the ELL who finds it difficult to incorporate the learning skills and to attain knowledge without exposure to the second language.

Bilingual speakers outperform monologue on executing functions. Moreover, bilingual individuals are more attentive and thus have improved the ability to perform various tasks. In a bilingual social set up, the individuals can discern the type of language to be used in what occasion hence increasing empathy. It can be used in enhancing social-emotional skills. Exposure of individuals to bilingual education enables them to possess broader outlook of thus exposing them to different cultures, races, and nationalities. As a result, they possess better communication skills leading to more advantages in life. Bilingual education broadens the search of opportunities and adaptability to different environmental conditions and situational instances.

Personal improvement due to bilingual education exposure is an important aspect. In this regard, students learning new knowledge can create a connection of the ideas passed in the new language using their native language. Therefore, it is crucial in reflecting on ones own culture while advancing the second language. Bilingual education may be a holistic provider as it encompasses development and understanding while gaining knowledge and skills in solving issues and understanding logistical drawbacks. Opportunity for equal quality education to all the students should be the main focus of the implementers and policymakers. Therefore, adverse cultures demand a bilingual education system that values diversity to promote positivity, understanding and cultivated values as an asset of developmental necessities (Hotz).

According to Kennedy, there is an experience transformation ability of bilingual education on the administrators, teachers parents and supportive school community. Students too are able to interpret complex information drawing from their first language hence they develop academic language in bilingual situations. Politics, therefore, should not be the basis of decision making when it comes to bilingual education policy. The concurrent transfer of knowledge from L1 to L2 continues seamlessly due to enhanced proficiency in for both languages. Mora further states that students who have their cultural affiliations resting on native languages have higher performances academic wise unlike those who do not. Bilingual education enriches as well as diversifies our culture. Therefore, bilingual education eliminates the xenophobic mentalityin a case of cultural diversity. Children and students who are exposed to bilingual education have higher chances of adapting to different languages which in turn help them achieve more options for a successful career. Studies thus show that such individuals who learn second languages tend to improve their communication standards hence can have brighter careers. In cases of ignorance, however, bilingual may be a setback as there might be an attitude from students who are experiencing culture shock (Pandey)

Different methods based on developmentally appropriate foundation might be used in different grades to achieve an all-inclusive cognitive, socio-cultural and knowledge-based foundation across all the levels. Proficient readers students are then able to comfortably switch from their native languages to the second language as contributed by the bilingual education. The beneficial factor of being able to speak two or more languages across different professions fluently is the advantage of being more valued and the likelihood of being paid more in the career line. Individuals with an innate sensitivity to cultural trends can comfortably interact with others at work environment since they have greater communication skills and they can feel in translation work. The advance growing research has found the cognitive benefits of bilingual as fighting the neurological diseases. For instance, the current research being carried in Wales is delving into whether being educated in both English and welsh could tarry dementia and Parkinson disease in later life.

Although there are massive barriers in introducing the bilingual education policy in most countries, it stands out to be one of the most opportunities to capitalize. The consideration of the importance of bilingual education policy on all spheres of life, institutions, governments, and parents need to expose their children to bilingual cultures since it is associated with lots of benefits to those who are exposed to bilingual education. Nonetheless, children should be trained in the bilingual culture to improve on their cognitive development, socio-cultural advancements, knowledge, and skill acquisitions to be able to fit in the competitive world favorably. A constructive pedagogical debate should be the main focus of todays institutions and governments rather than employing political arguments on the bilingual education policy. Content introduction enhances academic achievements of individuals unlike the political appeal for the eradication of bilingual education policy which confines individuals into a native language thus limiting their chances of success and greater achievements in their future lives.

Reference

Best, John R., and Patricia H. Miller. "A developmental perspective on executive

function." Child development 81.6 (2010): 1641-1660.

Hotz, R.L. The Bilingual brains in Sharper and More Focused a Study Says.The Wall

Street Journal.(2012): 3-7.

Pandey, A. What is the role of home language learning and maintenance in supporting successful

outcomes in English Language Learning and literacy? In young DualLanguage Learners: A Guide for PerK-3 Leaders (2014). Editor Karen N, Nemeth. Philadelphia, PA: Caslon Publishing Journal(2013): 4-9Kennedy, Eithne, et al. "Literacy in early childhood and primary education (3-8 years)." National

Council for Curriculum and Assessment (2012).

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