Benefits Of Learning A Foreign Language
However, elementary schools should teach foreign languages due to the valuable benefits to the students. Not only is it easier to learn a foreign language at a younger age, but it also helps increase progress in academics as well as creative thinking skills.
It may appear that adding another class to a coursework is overwhelming, but it actually improves the critical skills needed in successful education. “Learning languages helps increase listening ability, memory, child’s creativity and critical thinking- all of which are thinking processes that increase learning in general,” says Redmond, former president of the National Network for Early Language Learning. All of these abilities are useful and necessary later on in higher lever courses in middle school and high school. Research shows that children who learn a foreign language at a young age also do better on standardized tests than children who do not. Children who have studied a foreign language in elementary school achieve expected gains and even have higher scores on standardized tests in reading, language arts and mathematics than those who have not. While learning foreign languages, children will also gain an understanding of other cultures. Children learning English as their second language are also successful learning another foreign language. When asked when children should begin learning a foreign a language, Emilia Marks, an OU modern language professor said, “When they are babies, but if not, as soon as possible, kindergarten, elementary school – when their brains want to learn.” It is easier to learn a language at a younger age then when an individual is closer to adulthood.
Not all districts are fortunate enough to have the money to hire a new teacher and start a foreign language program. However, there are alternative methods of resolving a situation such as this. According to Mary Lynn Redmond, parents can advocate a foreign language program in their children’s schools. To teach foreign language at an elementary level, a teacher does not necessarily need to be fluent in their respective language. By showing television shows such as “Dora the explorer” or “Sesame Street” or a foreign language cartoon program such as “Muzzy” in conjunction with fundamental teaching methods, foreign language can be taught at an introductory level. Creativity plays a big part in successful teaching.
There is funding available for elementary schools if they choose to apply. For example, the government has over $6,000,000 that they award each year to fund elementary school programs for teaching foreign languages. There are also volunteer programs where students attending some universities work on creating and instructing these programs. These programs can be utilized at no cost to the schools. Pam Andrews, coordinator of gifted services for Athens City Schools, and Barbara Reichenbach, Ohio University modern languages professor, have set up a program using volunteer students from Ohio University. This program is designed to bring foreign language to the classroom. By getting the community involved, the schools are able to overcome the money barrier.
Elementary schools should implement programs to teach their students a foreign language. The earlier children are taught a new language, the easier it will be for them to learn and understand it. There are also many different ways of funding foreign educations so in this case money cannot be an excuse for not providing children with additional education and little financial burden.
Education For The 21st Century: Distance Learning
There is an old saying: Time moves on. That is certainly true in the world of education. In the past, higher education was strictly an option for the wealthy and privileged. Beginning in the last century, higher education became a reality for the common person. But the pace of change has not slackened up one bit!
And while the so-called ‘experts’ argue among themselves about future trends, we know one thing for certain: technology has turned the world of higher education upside-down. It is now the primary delivery channel for millions of students worldwide – in the form of ‘Distance Education.’ Coupling the power of the home PC with the interconnectivity of the Internet, distance learning is revolutionizing the educational landscape, right before our eyes.
Let’s put it in it’s most simple form: Distance learning means that a student can participate in class – in India, let’s say – when the school is located in Boise, Idaho. Distance is no longer an obstacle – in fact, distance from the school, from the instructor, or from one’s fellow-students has become irrelevant. What matters now is receiving the course content, whether one lives down the street or in another continent.
The U.S. has a population that is aging, as is well-known. And an aging population is one with increasing responsibilities – work as well as family – that throw up road-blocks and obstacles in the path of the would-be student. Distance learning is a solution that works for them – as academic assignments and classroom participation can now be completed around work schedules and family activities.
Here’s our take on the situation: as more and more schools start distance learning programs, more and more adults will take advantage of them and enroll. And when these students graduate, they will bring their up-to-date skill sets into the workplace. As a result, business will greatly benefit. Overall, we can see the American worker becoming more and more efficient. Our workforce will then be positioned to keep – and retain – better paying jobs, as we compete in the global marketplace.
What is a part of the distance learning experience? Well, after your enrollment is approved (and courses paid for) you will sign in(via your home PC) to a ‘virtual campus,’ where your course instructor, fellow students and you all interact in a kind of chat room experience. You will be given assignments there, e-mails will be used as a means of communication, and course papers will be uploaded for review. You will often be required to complete assignments in collaboration with other students – just like collaborative projects in the real world.
Course testing in distance learning programs is also unique. Instead of the traditional approach, where you would ‘spit out’ on paper everything that you have memorized, you will be asked instead to complete projects and collaborate with others. This is because there is no way to administer a test online in such a way to guarantee that the student doesn’t look at their book/notes to cheat!
This means that distance learning programs put a premium on ‘learning by doing’ – not simply spitting out facts that have been memorized. And does this not more accurately mirror the kinds of responsibilities one has in the real world? Graduates of distance learning programs are in fact better prepared to ‘hit the ground running’ and be productive in their job from the first day of employment.
Online Education
Many people wants to continue their studies to further their education, the problem there is, life is too hectic to go to a university. Online education and teaching grows consistently each year as the world wide web opens up wider. It is a mode of education where you can achieve higher education without traveling to school campus in attending classes. You can easily achieve a degree through the utilization of Internet options.
The popularity of online degree courses is the rapid increase of job market and their higher hiring qualifications. Employers are seeking for a skilled and knowledgeable employees. As a professional, you should be willing to learn something new for you to become competitive. Participating in an online education programs offered by accredited universities is a great way in earning a higher degree while you are earning for a living. You can consider this mode of education as the aid in a career that is already in a full swing. You can take it from the comforts of your home and at your choice of time.
For professionals and students who are working full-time, taking online education courses is an advantage. You do not need to quit your job just to attend your classes. You can be at home with your family while taking an education. In the age of Internet, valuable learning does not have to be difficult. Enrolling to an online University is an excellent option in following your dreams without much obstacles.
Students here are usually computer literate, self motivated and able to mange their time wisely. These are the important elements for you to success in virtual classrooms. Many students find this mode of learning as more peaceful. It allows you to think carefully from the questions and answers because there is no stress of other students. You can have all the convenience that you want. Pursuing a degree online can easily worked around professional schedules. You can progress at your own pace because it is often geared to busy working adults and students.
There are many online degree courses but not all are accredited. Making sure that you are taking a degree course in an accredited institution is the first step to ensure success in online education. It is better to have a research on all aspect of it to avoid regrets later on. Finding a course that suits your interest from the well accepted and recognized school is the paramount of your success.
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