Foreign-born parents emphasis on their children learning English

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college_girl33@hotmail.com - 10 Dec 2005 19:56 GMT

For my education class at the University, we have been studying
bilingual education. More specifically, we have been reading studies
and articles relating to the benefits of English-immersion programs
compared to Dual-language programs with early elementary school-aged
children. One particular article analyzed a study that was done about
the expectations foreign-born parents had of their children's school
curriculum. After analysis of the study, the researchers concluded
that "foreign-born parents say that the school's first priority should
be to teach English quickly, even if it means that their children fall
behind in other subjects."

I was interested in other people's reactions/thoughts to this study and
conclusion? More specifically, the reasons behind why a foreign-born
parent would stress English acquisition over their native language?
Also, what are people's thoughts about society in America emphasizing
English so highly that foreign-born parents would value it over their
own native language in order for their children to succeed in American
schools?

Any comments I could receive from my inquisitions would be very much
appreciated.

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Django Cat - 10 Dec 2005 22:09 GMT

> For my education class at the University, we have been studying
> bilingual education. More specifically, we have been reading studies
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> Any comments I could receive from my inquisitions would be very much
> appreciated.

OK, here's a comment.

USENET is an international forum, not just a talking shop for Americans.

I'm 'foreign-born' from where you're standing, as are millions of other
native English speakers around the world, all of whom can read and
respond to your posting tonight.

Your study sounds really interesting, though I can't help thinking it's
natural for parents to understand that their children need to learn the
language of instruction before they can move ahead in subjects taught
in that language. And if multicultural cities in the US are anything
like those in the UK, there just aren't resources to teach children in
all the possible L1s (but maybe you're thinking of areas with a single
minority language, Spanish).

Sorry, but you've touched a nerve tonight.

DC, MEd, 20+ years in the ESL classroom.

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college_girl33@hotmail.com - 12 Dec 2005 05:14 GMT

I did not mean to offend anyone with my question about "foreign-born"
parents wishes for their children in regards to bilingual education. I
posted the question because it was in complete contrast to all the rest
of the studies and articles I have read about this issue. Namely, most
articles concluded that Dual-language programs seemed to be the best
way to teach English to children whose primary language is not English
but also maintain their native language in the classroom. The study I
posted a question about differed in this conclusion. I was, therefore,
interested in receiving comments from all members internationally of
their take on this contradiction.
I appreciate your comments and apologize for hitting a nerve with
anyone.

Does anyone have any basic comments about Dual-language programs v.
English immersion programs in general? Their experiences with both or
either program in an educational setting, etc?

> > For my education class at the University, we have been studying
> > bilingual education. More specifically, we have been reading studies
[quoted text clipped - 37 lines]
>
> DC, MEd, 20+ years in the ESL classroom.

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Discussion Groups / ESL Teaching / December 2005

Foreign-born parents emphasis on their children learning English