United States | Trans-Learning

A Look at Bilingual Education in the U.S

Bilingual instruction and coursework entails a system of using a student’s primary or native language in conjunction with second one as part of the academic process. The majority of bilingual education programs in America are Spanish and English. However, some programs include languages such as French, Chinese and German.

It was in the late 20th century, with the increase of the U.S. Mexican-American population that the country saw developments and improvements in bilingual education. Now, there are even online education degrees that are bilingual.

While there were various types of bilingual education present as early as the 1840s, with World War I, there was a negative opinion of non-English speaking people and bilingual education and practices were stopped. However, the influx of immigrants from other countries did not cease.

In 1968, the Bilingual Education Act was passed and also gave funds to create programs to help students with limited English skills. A pivotal 1974 court case — Lau v. Nichols — helped to include students other than Spanish speakers within the federally funded bilingual education programs.

The number of students requiring bilingual programs continued to rise throughout the end of 20th century. The Bilingual Education Act of 1968 was rescinded in 2001 and was replaced by the No Child Left Behind Act.

Currently, the majority of students in American high schools are required to take some form of a second language course. Depending on the school, this can either be a one or two year requirement. A lot of schools also use the foreign language in elementary schools (FLES) program.

Bi-lingual Workers Have the Hiring Edge

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In the last twenty years, the world has become a global economy. Trade agreements, like NAFTA, have made the trading of goods between different countries a common business practice. Anyone who wants to have the hiring edge in the new economy needs to be bi-lingual.

Which Languages Should You Know?

Depending on where you live, and what type of industry you’re in, the languages you need to know will vary. If you live in the United States, and you work in retail, human services, agriculture or industry, then Spanish is the most important second language. Virtually every school in the U.S., offers Spanish education. If it’s been years since you took a Spanish class, then enroll in online courses to brush up and give yourself the hiring edge.

Although Spanish is popular, there are other industries that do business in China, The Middle East and Europe. Almost all experts agree that Mandarin is one of the most important languages a student can learn. It’s also one of the most difficult, so consider studying abroad to help immerse yourself in this very difficult language. Along with online learning, you’ll be able to catch on more quickly.

Interpreters Wanted

Since there will be many business people who do not speak a necessary foreign language, the job opportunities for interpreters are strong. You can be a direct interpreter, or you can translate documents. For the people person, this is the best way to use your new bi-lingual skills as a career.

Ultimately, many bi-lingual workers will transition to teaching. As you become an expert in the language and culture of the country you do business with, you’ll be well suited to become an instructor and lecturer.

Filed Under: Education | Tagged: Tagged With: Middle East, Multilingualism, United States

Educational Options for Deaf Students

Being deaf poses many challenged in one’s life. For a parent with a deaf child find the proper programs to help educate your deaf child becomes a challenge as well. Parents of deaf children have to determine what they feel is the best option for their child. Some of the options available to these families include residential schools, day schools, day classes, resource rooms, or itinerant programs.

A residential school is a school specifically for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The students will live at the school during the school year. Some students stay during the week and go home on weekends. Other students may commute if they live close-by. Most residential schools are state run. In the United States and territories there are residential schools for the deaf in 47 out of 50 states plus Puerto Rico and District of Columbia. The only states that do not have a residential school for the deaf include Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming.

Day schools for the deaf are most often found in larger cities and enroll only deaf students. These schools would be similar to a mainstream school. Some day schools may be combined for both deaf and/or blind students. These schools can be found in every state in the United States.

A day class program is a class or several classes offered through a public school for hearing students. These classes may include specific classes for deaf or hard of hearing students or a combination of classes offered through the mainstream classes. When a student spends the majority of their time in a regular classroom there is the option of using the Resource Room, which is where the student may receive one-on-one instruction in English skills, speech and language skills, and help in other academic areas.

In addition to special classes some students may also receive additional help from an “itinerant” who works with the student individually. The itinerant may be working with several different school systems so may travel to specific schools on certain days of the week.

Filed Under: Education | Tagged: Tagged With: Hearing impairment, Resource Room, Student, United States

The Best Places to Study Abroad

Nowadays, American students have started realizing the benefits of studying abroad. The opportunities are vast and they are available globally. The number of programs that are available is increasing in order to make the learning experience more fruitful and adventurous for students. The United Kingdom is the best place to get such an enriching and adventurous experience. The Oxford University is one such place that is well recognized globally.
Oxford University is a famous center for academic excellence. This university opens the doors to students from foreign countries who wish to make a mark in academics. Since, this academic center offers endless excellent opportunities to students, they prefer to excel in academics and get enriched through the experience.
The University of Oxford is considered as a center that is well renowned for surviving from a very long time. The kind of learning experience a student receives here cannot be matched with that of any other learning institute. The legendary academic center is well known for its historical buildings.
Oxford Brookes University is a recent addition to the Oxford academic history. Although new, this particular university has become a top ranked one by educational authorities. Foreign students who enter the campus of Oxford University for studies have the opportunity of gaining a worthwhile learning experience.
Apart from academics experience, learning the culture is also an important aspect for a foreign student who studies there at Oxford. Studying abroad can be valuable for students who are away from home, trying to adjust themselves to new surroundings and culture.
Having an open attitude makes the stay at Oxford for foreign students comfortable. The Oxford University provides a friendly atmosphere and gives a warm welcome to foreign students. The students can make use of the endless opportunities that are at their disposable and feel at home during their stay in the Oxford University.

Filed Under: Education | Tagged: Tagged With: Education, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford University, Study abroad, United States

Know Business English Before Attempting the TEFL

Business English is the next step for those who have mastered the basics of English via a TEFL course. Those who wish to take a distance-learning program can rely upon study courses and materials that are found online.

What is the Purpose of Studying Business English?
In case, you have plans to move to the U.S or U.K for getting a job, then studying Business English is the right choice. Mastering the language helps you to get employed easily. Business English comes handy if you plan to study at an American or British university.

Books on Business English
A number of useful and excellent language books are available for beginners as well as students belonging to an advanced level. Materials such as these provide useful information to students of elementary (beginners), intermediate and advanced levels.

Courses on Communication Skills
Two useful books under the name of Getting Ahead and Further Ahead are meant for students belonging to the elementary and intermediate levels. These books coupled with CDs and DVDs are very useful for those who wish to enter the workplace. The focus is on the daily communication necessities of adults.

Intermediate level Books
The main communication skills that are needed in business can be enhanced by referring to the book called Working in English. Traditional resources coupled with CDs and DVDs teach the students belonging to the intermediate level on how to be successful at workplace. Business Vocabulary in Use is a practical guide that emphasizes on key areas such as business culture, jobs, organization etc. It is important to know the English words as well as the culture.

Thus mastering Business English is easy with the number of courses and practical books that are available. More information on the numerous courses and self-help books can be derived by getting in touch with TEFL or the Cambridge University Press.

Filed Under: Education | Tagged: Tagged With: Cambridge University Press, Teaching English as a foreign language, United States

Information on Studying Abroad

The first place any student needs to gather information related to abroad studies is to approach the home college. If one does not find what he is looking for in that place, then it is better to contact another college that is capable of meeting the requirements.
Drawing a proper plan in advance is imperative. Even volunteer service can be provided abroad apart from going there for studies.
Proper research on the program is necessary. Brochures and the information provided on the institute’s website are useful in clarifying doubts or questions. To obtain accurate answers and additional information, phone calls or emails is the best method.
The next thing for a student to do is find out the duration of the course. Normally, the courses last for several weeks to an entire year. Staying for a long time abroad can help the student to understand the culture of the foreign land and the basics of the language can be leant to a certain level. One of the main tasks to do is to check with the U.S department if the student needs to obtain a visa in case he plans to stay abroad for more than three months.
The student should prepare himself mentally once the course fee is paid. Having a positive attitude may eliminate the discomfort to a certain extent after the student lands in a foreign country.
Having an open attitude allows the student to feel at ease, in spite of cultural differences. Moving to another country is an indication of change in one’s lifestyle.
For a student who is serious about learning the culture of a foreign country, he can make a small investment in buying books that deal with cultural practices.
Making a note of the daily events that occur during the stay abroad helps the student to refresh his memory at a later period. This encourages others to travel abroad for studies.

Filed Under: Education, Study Abroad | Tagged: Tagged With: Education, Student, Study abroad, United States