ImmersionPresenter: Kathleen Wang先锋中英双语学校

Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter Schoolinfo@pvcics.org , www.pvcics.org, 413-582-7040

Thank you

• Dr. Mimi Met’s article on CAL, “Foreign Language Immersion Programs”

• http://www.cal.org/resources/Digest/met00001.html

What Is a Foreign Language Immersion Program?

• A method of foreign language instruction in which the regular school curriculum is taught through the medium of the language.

• The foreign language is the vehicle for content instruction; it is not the subject of instruction.

• Various models of immersion: total, partial, one-way, two-way

• Most start in K or 1st grades• We are all products of immersion!

Goals of an Immersion Program

1) developing a high level of proficiency in the foreign language;

2) developing positive attitudes toward the foreign language and culture;

3) developing English language skills commensurate with expectations for student's age and abilities;

4) gaining skills and knowledge in the content areas of the curriculum

Effect on Verbal and Math Skills in English

• Studies have consistently shown that immersion students do as well as, and may even surpass, comparable non-immersion students on measures of verbal and mathematics skills.

Keys to Successful Immersion Programs

Characteristics:– administrative support; – community and parental support; – qualified teachers;– appropriate materials in the foreign language; – time for teachers to prepare instructional

materials in the language; – ongoing staff development.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Total Immersion

Advantages:• Most effective way of developing foreign language proficiency. • The intensity of the immersion experience students have the

necessary language skills to deal with the curriculum in upper elementary grades.

Disadvantages:• Not all parents or school personnel buy into the concept that students can

learn just as much in a foreign language as in their own.

It depends:• Staffing – It doesn’t cost more to hire someone who speaks the target

language vs. English. Total immersion may require a teacher for each immersion class.

English Language Arts: when introduced and how much?

• Different schools phase English in at different grade levels. – Some do it from the start, some defer English to Grade 2+ – 50-50 balance of languages in the upper elementary

grades.• More of foreign language increased proficiency• More English insignificant differences in English

language achievement whether the amount of instruction given in English constitutes 50% or 20% of the day;

Advantages and Disadvantages of Partial Immersion

Advantages:• Fewer immersion teachers; one teacher can serve two immersion

classes for one half day each. • Maybe more viable alternative for parents or others who feel

uncomfortable with total immersion.

Disadvantages:• Not nearly as effective as total immersion for developing foreign

language proficiency . Thus, students may have difficulty with curriculum characterized by verbal abstractions.

• Does not produce better English language achievement than total immersion. However, the initial lag in English achievement associated with total immersion does not occur in partial immersion

Immersion and other FL programs

• Complementary• Continuation path : specially designed courses

similar to the language arts courses students receive in English.

• Positive effect on non-immersion students: increased motivation seeing others develop proficiency.

Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School

• Public charter school– regional school, 39 predominantly rural towns– one-way immersion model– lottery entrance

• Entry in K-1, 6th grade partial immersion• Curriculum aligned with MA standards• Extended day• Explicit language+content-based+experiential

learning