dualimmersion

Dual immersion, also known as dual language immersion or two-way immersion, is an educational approach in which students are taught in two languages across a range of subjects with the goal of developing high levels of bilingualism and biliteracy for all students. In two-way immersion programs, roughly half the students are native speakers of each language, and instruction is designed to promote functional proficiency and literacy in both languages. In one-way or targeted immersion models, students share a common L1 and learn an additional language through structured instruction.

Instruction is typically balanced between the two languages, with teachers planning collaboratively to deliver content in both languages, often using sheltered or content-area instruction, and ensuring literacy development in both languages.

Outcomes include potential benefits in language proficiency, academic achievement, cognitive skills, and cross-cultural attitudes, though results vary by context, program quality, and implementation.

History and scope: Dual immersion programs emerged in language minority communities in the United States and elsewhere in the late 20th century; they are now widely implemented in K-12 schools worldwide and are used for heritage language maintenance as well as second language acquisition.

Implementation considerations: Successful dual immersion programs require teacher preparation, curriculum alignment, administrative support, funding, parental involvement, and robust assessment practices, along with ongoing program evaluation to address quality and equity.