Why Should We Teach Foreign Languages?

Why Should We Teach Foreign Languages? Emily Leibrock M445 Spring 2010

Learning language aids in brain development.

What part of the brain do you use while learning a language? BOTH! • The left side of your brain is used for analytical and sequential skills • The right side of the brain is used for process such as: guessing, associating and getting the main idea

Learning language EARLY IN LIFE supports cognitive development.

Many studies have been done that show how language learners aremore successful in overall learning than those who do not learn a second language.

A study was conducted in an elementary school that was trying to show that learning a foreign language improves overall learning. • The study consisted on 67 sixth-graders, who were learning French. • They were placed into four different groups and each group participated in different ways. Foster, K. M., & Reeves, C. K. (1989). Foreign Language in the Elementary School (FLES) improves cognitive skills. FLES News, 2(3), 4.

What were the results? “The students who had received foreign language instruction scored higher on tasks involving evaluation which is the highest cognitive skill according to Bloom's taxonomy. The linear trend analysis showed that the students who had studied French the longest performed the best.” Foster, K. M., & Reeves, C. K. (1989). Foreign Language in the Elementary School (FLES) improves cognitive skills. FLES News, 2(3), 4.

Learning Language helps our students to be culturally competent

What is Cultural Competence? “An understanding of values, behaviors, attitudes, and practices which enable people to work effectively across racial/ethnic and cultural lines.” defined by: New Mexico State University

Teaching foreign languages support cultural competence by: Allowing students to get an understanding of different cultures through classroom instruction Teaching students the target language in which they will be able to communicate with a diverse group of people

Learning culture in the classroom One of the biggest issues that we face in today’s society is the lack of understanding between cultures. By students learning about culture in the classroom, they will be better equipped to work with people of different cultures.

Miscommunications between cultures Many people do not understand people of different cultures. This causes a lot of problems in the American society because of the rising population of immigration. • These problems usually are: • Different core beliefs • Different ways of communicating • Different concepts of time • Different levels of personal space.

Speaking Another Language… Enables people to communicate more effectively without frustration or anger. Can open up many doors! Knowing another language allows many more job opportunities in your community!

Proficiency levels needed in the Work World http://www.carla.umn.edu/resources/teaching/SpeakUp_MCTLC2007.ppt#310,1,Slide 1

Learning a language will help our students to be fully prepared for the workplace and in social situations.

Voices from the Community • Why should we learn Spanish or another foreign language? • “Indianapolis, like other cities, is experiencing an increase in immigrants from Spanish-speaking countries, the majority of whom come from Mexico.” • IUPUI Mexico Immersion Program

By teaching a foreign language, we will prepare our students for their future and enable them to be active members in our community.

Why Should We Teach Foreign Languages?