International couples and expats are often challeged with the dilemma of whether sending their children to bilingual institutions or not. For many couples, indeed, speaking a second language at home suffices while others believe that international toddlers and children should get a comprehensive bilingual education.
Picture courtesy of Huffingtonpost.com
What exactly is a bilingual education? According to the University of Cambridge ‘bilingual education refers to the practice of studying typical school subjects – like Geography and Maths – through a second or additional language. This understanding of bilingual education is linked to other educational concepts such as Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and dual-language education'.
According to www.cilt.org.uk Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) exploits the synergies between the traditional curriculum subjects with the language (the medium) through which these subjects are taught.
Dual-Language education, on the other hand, involves teaching subjects in two languages aiming at bilingualism and biliteracy (stay tuned for more future content on both CLIL and Dual-Language education).
Having better defined what bilingual education really is, and bearing in mind that the challenge is to sort through all the claims against or for bilingual education, what is the solid evidence you should be looking for before signing your kids up?
Student characteristics
A balanced class is very important in bilingual education. This should be one of the first characteristics to seek in such an institution. In a balanced class the students that have certain language background do not outnumber those coming from other linguistic groups. It might seem a very naive concept but it actually is very important. Classes that are extremely one-language (which often means one-background) oriented may alter the intended results and desired outcomes of bilingual education which is to develop a student's language and literacy proficiency.
Selection criteria and process
Academic maturity is required pretty much in every bilingual institution. An important requirement is the demand to be proficiency in the students' strongest language.
It is important to look for the selection process that bilingual institutions have in place since, at the end of the day, it is our childrens' education that is at stake. Also, do consider that in such economic times education institutions are cost-savvy and therefore selection criteria might be altered in order to get as many people as possible through the door when pupils are not enough.
Type of bilingual education and a balanced curriculum
As I mentioned early on, there are two main teaching techniques mainly used by bilingual institutions worldwide. Talking about the method itself, parents have their own ideas and usually pick a method for some reason or another. As far as methodolgy is concerned, I do not think that there is one which can be considered objectively better than the other. As far as curricula are concerned though, parents can do a lot to understand what are the activities that children are going to be involved in and what are the main subjects. I would suggest to go for well balanced curricula since I reckon that education must be fun as well.
Language diversity among the students
Personally, I would choose the most culturally rich and diversified schools. Cultural and linguistic diversification can greatly boost the learning experience and instill openmindedness in them.
Supportive school climate
It is paramount to talk to the parents of enrolled students to find out how helpful the school staff is. Bilingual institutions are not usually what you would consider 'cheap' schools therefore you are better pretend the highest possible standards.
Strong professional community
A last important aspect to be considered is the possibility to join a big diverse and helpful alumni network once the education period ends. Thank God school does not last for ever!
Have you undergone a bilingual education? Have your children? Share your experience with us!