In today’s society, the concept of a school offering bilingual education, or at least implementing a bilingual education program, is becoming increasingly relevant. We live in a more globalized world with greater interaction between countries and cultures, where knowledge (and especially mastery) of languages has become an essential requirement.

In this post, we analyze the importance of bilingual education, the reasons why a school should consider implementing a bilingual education program, and tips to do it successfully.

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What is bilingual education?

You’ve probably heard about it, as it’s a term that has become popular in recent years in the current educational context. But do you know exactly what it entails?

Bilingual education is a pedagogical approach that aims to help students develop linguistic competencies in two (or more) languages by using academic subjects as a core tool. This allows students to develop both linguistic and academic skills simultaneously, as certain subjects are taught in a language other than their native one. In this way, the foreign language becomes the medium of learning, rather than just the object of learning (as is the case with traditional language classes).

There are many models of bilingual education, but some of the main ones include:

• Transitional model: It starts by combining the native language with the language that will eventually become dominant, transitioning to an education where subjects are taught in the foreign (or dominant) language.
• CLIL model (Content and Language Integrated Learning): One of the most widely used models for offering bilingual education. Students learn certain subjects taught at the school in another language, such as Spanish. This enables students to acquire competencies in a non-native language while continuing with their regular curriculum. For instance, some schools teach subjects like Physical Education or Science in Spanish.
• Dual programs: In international schools, it’s common to see a dual model, where the curriculum is taught in both the native and foreign languages. These schools often integrate foreign curricula, making it necessary to teach certain subjects in a foreign language.

Why should your school consider implementing a bilingual education program?

In today’s educational landscape, applying bilingual education programs has become increasingly important. Here are the reasons why your school should consider implementing such a program:

• Improves students’ cognitive skills: Studying in two languages enhances cognitive skills such as memory, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Prepares students for a globalized world: In a globalized world, knowledge of languages provides a clear competitive advantage, especially when languages are integrated into the learning environment. This prepares students for future involvement in international markets and for entering careers that require advanced language skills.
• Greater cultural integration: Implementing a bilingual education program can be key to attracting students from various cultures and countries, creating a more enriching environment for everyone. This, in turn, fosters greater respect for other cultures and facilitates the integration of students whose first language is not the country’s native language.
• Enhances the school’s prestige: Given the importance of language skills for gaining a competitive edge in today’s globalized world, many families prefer schools where students can develop multilingual skills. Therefore, schools that implement these programs often enjoy higher reputations and prestige.

Tips for successfully implementing a bilingual education program in your school

If you want your school to transition to a bilingual education model, consider these tips to help you implement it successfully:

1. Evaluate the needs of the school, students, and families: Before preparing and implementing any bilingual program, you must evaluate the reasons and needs behind adopting this teaching method. This involves:

• Understanding the language proficiency level of students and teachers (this is key because a successful bilingual program cannot be implemented if the teachers are not proficient in the foreign language).
• Assessing the school’s available resources for implementing the program: Do you have materials to teach subjects in other languages? Are there training tools available to help train teachers to teach in other languages? Are there regional grants to support the integration of ICT or bilingual programs into the classroom?
• Identifying the expectations of families: In schools with students in preschool, primary, and secondary education, it’s also important to understand what families expect from the implementation of a bilingual program. Do they want to enhance their children’s competitiveness? Improve their foreign language proficiency? Ensure their future professional success?

2. Design a program tailored to the identified needs: If your school decides to implement a bilingual education program, the next step is to design it. This requires:

• Deciding on the model you will implement (e.g., transitional model, CLIL model, dual programs, etc.).
• Defining the goals your school aims to achieve with the bilingual program.
• Adapting the curriculum or acquiring resources to teach selected subjects in the foreign language.
• Training teachers for the new bilingual program: Continuous training on bilingual education methods, as well as additional language training if necessary, should be offered. You can also provide workshops to equip teachers with tools for teaching in other languages.

3. Incorporate the use of ICT tools to facilitate bilingual teaching: There are many digital tools that support bilingual education. Integrating them into teachers’ daily routines will help ensure the program’s success.

• Wordreference: With this online dictionary, students can easily find the definitions of words they don’t know. They can also learn translations of these words in different contexts.
• Reverso: This online translator is extremely useful for students as it provides examples of searched words within sentences or contexts.
• Additio App: With Additio App, teachers can create materials and resources for their classes, such as learning scenarios, rubrics, quizzes, and more. Interactive tools like self-assessment and peer-assessment rubrics, or interactive quizzes, will engage students and motivate them to learn the content taught in class.

4. Measure the program’s success: To ensure the program meets the needs of teachers, students, and families, it’s crucial to assess whether the set objectives are being achieved. You can do this by:

• Conducting periodic reviews of the outcomes of the bilingual education program, both in terms of language proficiency and the development of skills and competencies for a globalized world.
• Gathering feedback from teachers, students, and families to make necessary adjustments.

And if your school already has a bilingual model… Tell us!

If your school has already embraced a bilingual model, we want to hear all about it! How was the implementation? Which model did you choose? How has it worked? Visit our social media channels and share your experience: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.

Remember, with Additio App, you can carry out competency-based assessments, putting students at the center of learning, keeping them informed about their progress, and helping them identify areas for improvement and strengths.

With over 150 features, Additio helps enhance both teaching and student learning. You can try the tool for free with the Additio Starter plan, which provides access to most features, and see if the platform truly fits your needs.

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