A rights-based movement for second languages has grown across the americas, where many see foreign languages as important today as learning math or science, even as demand in some cases has exacerbated inequalities they were intended to correct.Piaget cognitive learning theory in the united states – once notorious for its monolingual culture and where bilingual education for spanish-speaking immigrants became a political minefield – immersion programs are on the rise.Piaget cognitive learning theory in canada, where french and english are official languages but the majority of the population speaks english, demand for french immersion programs has skyrocketed.Piaget cognitive learning theory

“in the 21st century with so much internationalism, we really need to be giving all children the opportunity to learn another language,” says fred genesee, an expert on dual-language education in canada at mcgill university in montreal.Piaget cognitive learning theory “we’re not talking about icing on the cake anymore. We’re talking about a life skill that actually gives these kids a real advantage.”

The demand for english across the globe has swept into public school systems, says kate bell, who works on the annual english proficiency index from EF, a business that offers english-language training.Piaget cognitive learning theory the language is seen today as “a basic skill that everyone needs,” and not just for those who can afford private school or tutoring. That’s long been part of the zeitgeist in europe, which ranks higher than other regions in the index from EF, but the thinking is gaining ground globally.Piaget cognitive learning theory

Nearly 70% of executives from global companies around the world say they prioritize proficiency in english among their employees in order to expand their businesses – but it’s challenging to find workers who meet those qualifications, according to a 2017 study from the inter-american dialogue.Piaget cognitive learning theory those who speak both english and spanish in mexico earn nearly 30% more, on average, than non-english speakers.

That has started to change, with the growth of bilingual programs, but it has been uneven across the states, says howie berman, the executive director at the american council on the teaching of foreign languages, and he says that puts too many students at a disadvantage as the U.S.Piaget cognitive learning theory grows more multicultural. His group released a survey this month of U.S. Firms saying they see a gap in supply for employees who speak more than english, even for those firms operating domestically.Piaget cognitive learning theory

Still, french immersion has been experiencing growing pains. It is not compulsory, and where demand outstrips supply in school districts, frustration has followed.Piaget cognitive learning theory it has also inadvertently created divides. Studies have shown, for example, that more high-achieving students, whether by self-selection or on recommendation, and those from higher socio-economic brackets participate in french immersion programs.Piaget cognitive learning theory those with learning challenges are more represented in english-only streams. That creates what critics call de facto segregation in the public system.Piaget cognitive learning theory it’s generated larger questions about equity and access in a country that values bilingualism, especially at the upper echelons of government.Piaget cognitive learning theory

The experience in new brunswick, canada’s only official bilingual province, is telling. George daley, president of the new brunswick teachers’ association, who supports french programming, points to an auditor general’s report in the province last year that showed what they long suspected: 93% of students on personalized learning plans, or in need of special help, are not in immersion classrooms.Piaget cognitive learning theory

“french immersion is very important,” mr. Daley says, “but so are all those other students who are not in french immersion. So if we’re going to create a situation where we’re creating an unbalanced learning environment then we have a responsibility to put the resources into those other classrooms to guarantee a fair learning environment for those students.”

piaget cognitive learning theory

Teacher supply is, in fact, the key challenge that spans the globe, with a dearth of staff qualified in teaching and/or the second language a stubborn obstacle.Piaget cognitive learning theory in latin america, qualified teaching staff remains one of the reasons that strong legal frameworks there have not yet translated into strong implementation, says sarah stanton, an education program associate at the inter-american dialogue.Piaget cognitive learning theory