Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/dual-language-learners-an-emerging-topic-of-research-that-all-educators-should-watch/5024355/
Throughout my career, I have repeatedly witnessed how societal shifts and new research impact education. As the needs of the large-scale population change and new information becomes available to us, we—as educators—must adapt our teaching methods and approaches to ensure we fully prepare the next generation.
An important concept in today’s world is dual-language learning. Dual-language learners are children who are able to adopt two or more languages simultaneously, successfully learning a second language while still developing their first.
According to the Census Bureau, the number of American residents who speak a language other than English in their home reached an all-time high of 61.8 million in 2013. As that number continues to increase, so does the frequency of dual-language learning, emerging as a key focus area for research and presenting new challenges and opportunities for early education professionals.
How Research Reinforces the Importance of Dual-Language Learning
Helping children develop language and communication skills is one of the primary goals of early education because it provides the foundation for all other learning. As a result, the increase of bilingualism in households is raising questions about the capability of young children to learn multiple languages simultaneously and the overall effect on a child’s language development.
A report ...