Immersion learning

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Immersion learning refers to any education approach that teaches by placing a student directly in an environment. The most common use of immersion learning is in teaching foreign languages. There have been many studies showing positive results from immersion learning, provided a student also receives explicit instruction of the target information on some level.

Methods

As mentioned, immersion learning is primarily used to teach foreign languages. However, that does not necessarily mean that the learner must travel to a foreign country. In fact, in the U.S., it is common for foreign language immersion programs to be structured as a traditional foreign language class taught entirely in that language. For instance, a student learning Spanish can experience immersion learning if the only language used in the classroom was Spanish.

Another method of delivering immersion education is through a more engaging workshop-style program. For example, the Concordia Language Village offers camps and workshops that attempt to create a learning-friendly environment that also aims to capture the essence of the language's culture. By including training on grammar alongside cultural immersion, this program hopes to simulate natural learning as closely as possible.

While simulation of a culture is proven to be very effective, many advocates for immersion learning recommend individuals spend time living in a country to learn its native language. Specific education agencies, such as Education First, offer study abroad programs specifically designed for foreign language immersion. While these agencies boast that direct exposure is the most effective way to learn a language, there is little research to support these claims.

Immersion benefits

Many research findings show many benefits for students in immersion learning programs. The most widely investigated topic in regards to language immersion students is performance on standardized testing. Ultimately, research reveals that students in immersion programs perform as well as, if not better than, students without immersion background. This is good news for immersion proponents, as previous research indicated a gap in performance from immersion students. This was attributed to the idea that focus on a foreign language detracted from English education. However, gap or not, English skills among immersion students were found to be equal to or greater than English skills of non-immersion students. There are well-documented cognitive benefits to immersion learning as well: bilingual students are found to have better problem solving, pattern recognition and divergent thinking (thinking "outside of the box") skills. There are many benefits to immersion learning and being bilingual in general.

See also

• Global competence learning