| Papers [1-14] of 73 :: [Page 1 of 6] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 —> | Search results on "IMMERSION APPROACH": |
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Immersion Approach, 2002.
A look at the advantages and disadvantages of the immersion approach to teaching English as a second language.
3,160 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper first introduces this method of teaching English to minority groups in the United States. It then looks at debates among academic about the effectiveness of this method and whether traditional bilingual methods of teaching are preferred. The writer explains the unique characteristics of this method and the advantages thereof to minority groups. It explains how the immersion approach is also used in Canada and compares this to the United States. It finally presents three various models of immersion approach teaching.
From the Paper
"Immersion approach is being widely used today in American schools for the purpose of teaching English to children of minority communities. It has been noticed that because of traditional bilingual educational methods, children whose first language was not English were unable to acquire proficiency in English language. This dismal performance of bilingual education resulted in the adoption of immersion program which was designed by Canadian educators in 1960s. The program has now turned into a political issue as some quarters feel it is rather imperialistic an approach. But the success of this method has left many critics speechless but still it is important to implement immersion in such a manner that children would become not only proficient in English but would also be able to read and write in their native language."
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ESL: The Concept of Immersion, 2004.
A look at both sides of the debate on using immersion to reinforce English as a second language.
751 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 18.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how, in ESL, immersion has been subject to some controversy and how it is felt that immersion is a good way to force learners into the intricacies of the new language. It discusses how the immersion program operates from the assumption that absolute proficiency in a language is not a requirement for effective instruction through the language and, therefore, by giving students a purpose for the new language they are using, they learn the language faster and more easily. It looks at how the program was initiated in Canada to help English speakers with their proficiency in French, the other official language of the country, and how the program has been adopted in various forms in the United States as well.
From the Paper
"By using Second Language English as a medium of instruction, the focus is removed from language instruction, and thus the language itself. Instead specific academic knowledge is the aim. In this way the language learning process becomes subconscious; students attempt to express important concepts in the target language, rather than trying to understand the intricacies of the language itself. Studies have indicated the success of immersion programs. It does not appear that academic achievement suffers for using a second language in an immersion program as opposed to schools where the first language is used. It is therefore apparent that students do not experience much difficulty in attaining sufficient language skills to master the subjects they are required to learn through the language (ERIC 1995)."
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Immersion in Bilingual Education, 2005.
Examines the theory that immersion into a second language is a good method to acquire that language.
2,950 words (approx. 11.8 pages), 9 sources, APA, £ 61.95
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Abstract
The pros and cons of bilingual education continue as an argued debate across the United States. Unfortunately, much of the information on which people base their opinion is not correct. Numerous studies conducted over the past three decades show that bilingual education has been an effective educational tool. This paper shows that educators and other bilingual specialists are now also looking into other methodology, such as two-way or dual immersion, that can enhance the basic bilingual curriculum.
From the Paper
"Schools are finding that language development works both ways. Many Native American children, for example, have forgotten or have never known their original languages. So that the languages are not forgotten, kindergarten students learn everything from colors to numbers to animal names in Cherokee. Students are called by their native Indian names and speak in Cherokee for most of the day. These kindergartners are in the first Cherokee-immersion class in a U.S. public school. By teaching kids Cherokee and not just English, Lost City School in Oklahoma is working to help save a dying language."
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Language through Immersion, 2005.
Examines the benefits of total physical response when teaching language through immersion.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 5 sources, £ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper demonstrates why TPR is such an effective method for language instruction. The paper thoroughly examines the nature, principles, and practice of TPR among educators, pointing out along the way the primary reasons why it is a superior pedagogical method when contrasted with some other language education methods.
From the Paper
"Language acquisition is fast becoming a major part of state-sponsored education. Increasingly diverse communities in the West have made it a requisite that schools understand and cater to the needs of students from other linguistic backgrounds. In addition, the ability to quickly pick up a second language in some parts of the world is important to future socioeconomic success. For example, in the United States, an ability to speak Spanish can be exceptionally beneficial for individuals working with the public. In the West and Southwest, this is particularly important and can mean the difference between securing a coveted job and not. The real question for educators is in determining what the best means of teaching languages is."
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Hispanic Immersion in the Classrooms, 2002.
An analysis of mainstreaming language minority students into English speaking classrooms.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 11 sources, MLA, £ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper helps to show research studies on the effects of a language minority child in the bilingual education program. The paper outlines the immersion program, a new and controversial program, which is designed to get kids into normal classrooms after one year in a classroom learning English. This paper discusses the pros and cons socially as well as mentally for the child.
From the Paper
"Immersion is a relatively new development within education and is a form of bi-lingual education. Due to the increase of immigrants from different countries, many states have incorporated in their school systems teaching for the language-minority students. It has required many states to develop a system of bi-lingual education. Immersion programs are being introduced at a variety of levels within educational systems. There is much controversy about whether immersion is good for children that come into the schools without any knowledge or experience with the countries language. Like some researchers, I believe that total immersion or submersion is a ?non-approach? and that it has been described as a ?sink or swim? technique. My claim is that the only sufficient way to teach a language-minority child is to immerse them into English speaking classrooms while they are young and then mainstream them later with the other children after their language proficiency is complete. My intention is to show evidence to my audience that our country is spending billions of dollars every year to promote the bi-lingual classrooms and to persuade them that the only cost effective and learning proficient way is to completely immerse them into English speaking programs."
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Teaching English as a Second Language, 2007.
This paper discusses the best way to impart a second language through a content-based and communicative immersion approach.
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 29.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer discusses that unlike teaching a student how to diagram a cell in biology class or how to deconstruct a poem in English class, the aim of foreign language education is not simply to teach students how to learn, but to impart a functional skill. This is especially true in English as a Second Language (ESL) education, where the students are acquiring a language that may become their primary language in their education or in their workplace. The writer points out that it is critical that students acquire language vocabulary that is likely to be useful for them in their daily lives, and that the students are quickly immersed in the language in a way that replicates their exposure to the language in daily life. In this paper, the writer looks at the communicative language teaching (CLT) approach, which stresses the fact that students learn to communicate through the action of communicating without merely learning about communicating in that language.
From the Paper
"Unlike a purely structuralist approach to teaching language that stresses learning foreign grammar structures in isolated and often unnatural ways, the technique of language content-based immersion exposes students to a new language in a holistic fashion. Even a successful structuralist method, such as the audiolingual method, in which the foreign language lessons are arranged on grammatical principles but in which the students are not responsible for any metalanguage tends to isolate grammatical principles from one another in a way that is not commensurate with how students are exposed to language in the lived environment outside of the classroom, and also tends to isolate acquiring vocabulary through intuition from correct grammatical usage. In contrast, communicative orientation in language teaching, with a student-focused perspective, is more evident in a content-based immersion approach. Such an approach encourages students use new expressions to impart their desired meaning in a way that enables them to truly communicate what they want to say in a given situation, rather than replicate the language patterns of a teacher by rote. A communication-focused approach also breaks down possible inhibitions about using the second language and making mistakes, as sometimes the English language is not even the main focus of the classroom, merely communicating something interesting about another subject."
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William James: A Poetic Approach to Consciousness, 2002.
A look at William James, described as a 'psychologist with a poet's soul'.
912 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 22.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at some of William James' works and shows how, within his writings, an entire unofficial school of psychology existed. It shows how James exemplified scientific creativity. He was interested in all facets of psychology, was deeply immersed in his field, and could effectively see the many sides of a single issue. The paper presents some excerpts from his writings to discuss his philosophy.
From the Paper
?Mind engenders truth upon reality. . . .Our minds are not here simply to copy a reality that is already complete. They are here to complete it, to add to its importance by their own remodeling of it, to decant its contents over, so to speak, into a more significant shape. In point of fact, the use of most of our thinking is to help us to change the world? (James in Fadiman & Frager, 1994, p. 299). When William James spoke these words, did he realize that he would embody his words? James? work is eloquent and powerful, poetic and parsimonious. He was a person who possibly thought with both his mind and his heart. James? work on the psychology of consciousness is currently studied and many of the questions he posed are still debated today (Fadiman & Frager, 1994)."
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Problems with Bilingual Education, 2008.
Argues that a slow transitional approach to bilingual education best suits ESL student's long-term academic needs rather than short-term proficiency to meet narrow standards of literacy.
2,013 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 10 sources, MLA, £ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the debate over the best way to conduct bilingual classes for children. The paper reviews the literature on different approaches to bilingual education and argues that a transitional, rather than an immersive approach is the superior strategy to pursue with children. It also looks at the problems that there have been in implementing successful bilingual education classes and looks at possible solutions.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Stakes of the Debate
Immersion versus other Methods of Instruction
What Approach is Best?
Conclusion
From the Paper
"A fundamental paradigm shift is needed. Instead of asking what is the correct 'image' of American education, educators must ask what is the best way to teach students, and embark upon long, rather than short-term research studies of a variety of transitional approaches to determine the right way to strike an effective balance between English education immersion and bilingual support in other academic areas. The approaches must be logistically feasible, given the limited resources of many ESL programs, but must attempt to improve student's academic performance in the long, rather than the short term. A slow, transitional, combined approach seems to be supported in developmental theories of linguistic development and the research that exists regarding the different approaches: immersive, transitional, and developmental. Although further long-term study is needed, the currently popular immersive approach and approaches that fast-track ESL students into 'regular' classrooms serve the electoral needs of politicians better than the educational needs of ESL students."
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Second-Language Instruction, 1994.
This paper reviews educational literature that provides a sound rationale for second language instruction especially if begun in the elementary school: Research, methods, immersion programs, goals, language rules and behaviorist approach.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 6 sources, £ 39.95
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From the Paper
"A survey of current educational literature provides a sound rationale for second language instruction, particularly if such learning begins early enough. Most students in the United States study a second language in secondary school; therefore, the issue is really the age at which a student begins foreign language study to best advantage. For the past four decades, educational researchers have stressed the value of teaching a second language in elementary school. Because results were mixed, elementary language programs gradually began to disappear in the same amount of time. Although the FLES, or Foreign Language in the Elementary School, movement of the fifties and sixties has had varying degrees of success in the United States, it remains more of a goal than a reality.
Before schools are willing to commit time and resources to ... "
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Bilingual Education, 2008.
An analysis of the positive effects of bilingualism and why Canadian immersion programs have been so successful compared to their American counterparts.
2,177 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 12 sources, APA, £ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the research on bilingualism. It argues that the research clearly shows that bilingualism is desirable and therefore that it should be promoted, preferably by making its benefits more widely known. The paper discusses possible reasons why Canadian immersion programs have been so successful while similar attempts at immersion in the USA (with minority children) have often been quite unsuccessful.
From the Paper
"Moreover, as we have seen above, the evidence from Canada shows that bilingualism can often be very useful for children, promoting their competence and achievement in the classroom, as well as their intelligence on all measures. However, it must be conceded that the playing fields in the USA and Canada are different, in that in the Canadian situation, children are electing to immerse themselves in a second language, rather than attempting to hold on to their mother tongues while simultaneously learning English - as is often the case in the USA. It may well be that the relative lack of success in the US context is a direct result of the fact that immigrant children often face other barriers, such as poverty. This is not the case in immersion programs in Canada, where the children are usually neither immigrants nor living with other impeding factors such as poverty. It is argued that the evidence regarding bilingualism that stems from the Canadian context does not have these extraneous variables, and thus can be regarded as more reliable."
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Bilingual Education in the United States, 2008.
An analysis of bilingual education programs and English immersion in schools in the United States.
2,052 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 20 sources, MLA, £ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses bilingual education and English as a second language (ESL) in the United States. It describes the country's policies in terms of bilingual education programs and discusses the importance of teaching English as a second language to students in schools. It also compares the outcomes of bilingual education programs and English immersion.
Table of Contents:
History
Analysis
Bilingual Education vs. English Immersion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"My interviews with the teachers and students indicate that most educators base decisions about how to teach not just on state mandates but also on their assessment of what their English language learners need, the numbers of English language learners in their classes, and their own philosophy. Most teachers with whom I have talked believe that teaching students in English as a secondary language is more important because the students understand the lectures in a better way. In general, a mainstream classroom that provides extra help seems to be more practical for many schools, and any academic harm caused by such classrooms is apparently not significant enough to be noticeable to most teachers or to offset the relative ease with which schools can form such classrooms. After all, most immigrant children in the U.S. and throughout the world are in mainstream classrooms, and most of them seem to swim, not sink."
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Experiencing the Hispanic Culture, 2007.
A personal description of a cultural immersion experience with the Hispanic culture.
2,088 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 46.95
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Abstract
The writer describes how he/she spent time over a several week period with two Hispanic families and attended several of the functions that are associated with the Hispanic culture; a family event, a church event and a cultural event. The writer reveals that while Americans pride themselves on privacy and personal space, the Hispanic population is connected by the togetherness and crowded conditions that they purposely set up. The writer concludes that the Hispanic culture is about love, celebration and enjoyment of life and asserts that many of us could learn from this.
Outline:
Introduction
The Experience
The Festival
Church
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Anyone who watches the news is aware that the Hispanic population in America has grown to be the largest minority in the country. Every store has signs written in Spanish and English, every food item has instructions in both languages and there are several Hispanic radio and television broadcasts on at all times. There is no denying that the blending of the two cultures is inevitable and it is an exciting prospect."
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Living the Life of a Hospice Worker For a Week, 2002.
This paper presents an immersion essay about ?Alive Hospice?, an organization catering to the needs of the dying.
1,745 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 39.95
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Abstract
The following paper provides understanding of the organization, ?Alive Hospice?, an organization that provides care while the patient enters end stages of disease and then goes through the process of dying. The writer examines what its volunteers provide for the terminally ill patients that it serves.
From the Paper
?In recent decades, medical science has advance to the point that people are living longer than ever before, and with that life comes a quality of life that is enjoyed well into the golden years. For those who are among the living the world is a beautiful place. However, for those whose lives are ending, the world can be a place filled with fear and uncertainty as one goes from doctor to doctor in search of hope and miracles. Then, when they announce the final curtain, that the patient is all out of options and the only path now is death, there are decisions to be made. Many people are afraid of dying in the clinical setting of a hospital, but they are not sure there are options. There are.?
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Bilingual Education, 2001.
Examines models of teaching. Contends immersion is best.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 3 sources, £ 16.95
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From the Paper
"This paper is a critical examination of the issue of bilingual education in American schools. Diane Ravitch, an educator and scholar with experience in the field, argues that efforts to teach children in two languages, their language of origin and English, have failed, and that structured immersion, in which students are taught exclusively in English, is the only really effective way to keep students advancing and achieving in school.
She bases her argument on the rates for Hispanic students "unable to pass an English-language test after three years of bilingual education" (94) She notes that students unable to develop fluency in English are more likely to fail in life, since "unless students are fluent in English, they will not have a fair chance of graduating from high school, going to college.."
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