There are several advantages to bilingual education. First of all, students who study more than one language benefit from increased mental flexibility. The same goes for students who learn another language as a second language. They may be better puzzle-solvers, consider the overall story line, and get the same results as monolinguals. The benefits of bilingual education have been studied for decades, but some of the best studies focus on more similar groups. For more information on the benefits of bilingual education, NPR Ed interviewed seven researchers who study the subject.
In the United States, a growing number of children are becoming multilingual. This includes international schooling and international travel. More children are meeting future partners from around the world, and more multi-cultural families share multiple languages. While English remains the dominant language for broad human activity, it is also often the first or second language of students. Because more English versions are recognized as official languages, students benefit from bilingual education. The benefits of bilingual education are far-reaching.
In addition to fostering brain development, children who grow up bilingual have better cognitive performance. They learn complex information and switch attention more efficiently. They also experience better self-esteem and higher levels of achievement in academic pursuits. In addition, bilingual students feel more valued and respected. This allows them to learn more languages and make them more successful in their future careers. A recent study shows that bilingual students have better decision-making skills, are more creative and more critical thinkers, and are better decision makers.
A second major benefit of bilingual education is that it opens doors to study abroad. Children from different cultures get to learn more about the other’s culture and their own. This exposure allows them to experience a diverse range of emotions and develop a deeper, more personal relationship with others. They also learn more about the alphabet, and they are more likely to spell words naturally. This gives them an edge when it comes to learning to spell more complex vocabulary words in later grades.
While these benefits are apparent, some are more significant. For example, students in a bilingual classroom are more likely to experience more positive outcomes in their academics. For one, they are more likely to apply their knowledge to real-life situations. Moreover, they will have more opportunities to interact with their peers, and the ability to converse in both languages helps them overcome language barriers. And as a bonus, they’ll enjoy a greater sense of community.
Second-language learning helps students develop a more versatile and rounded individual. Students who are fluent in two languages can participate in an exchange program or spend semesters abroad, making the educational process more interesting and fun. Furthermore, bilingual students may have better opportunities in the job market, with many multinational companies seeking bilingual workers. However, this benefit should not be taken for granted. So, why not take advantage of bilingual education today? If you’re interested in learning more languages, get started early!
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