Bilingual Education: Questions

Introduction | Definitions | In favor | Opposed | Internet | Questions

Here are a few questions you might want to read, think, talk, or write about as you explore the resources on this topic:

1. Concept Safari: Search the web for the following concepts. Use the search technique described in the University of Illinois Grammar Safari page to find uses. Find example pages, print them out, and be prepared to share with the class. Be sure to save the exact URL of each example you collect.
   bilingual education
   LEP (Limited English Proficient)
   multiculturalism
   immersion
2. Vocabulary Safari:
   assimilate
   assessment
   curriculum
   diversity
   1. Locate 6 examples of the word by using the search techniques described on the Grammar Safari page. Try to locate 3 examples from web pages related to the issue of abortion and 3 from pages related to other topics. Copy the examples to a word processing file to save for later.
• Paraphrase the example sentences.
• Write 2 sentences using each word.
• List and practice: write these words on a small index card. Keep it with you and use each word at least twice a day for the next 5 days.
3. Both Sides: write or prepare for oral presentation a brief summary of the arguments for and against bilingual education. Support your explanation with references to online resources.
4. Panel discussion: With other students, prepare and present to the class a panel discussion of bilingual education. Participants might include:
   • Parents of an immigrant child (age 10) who does not yet speak English)
   • School board members concerned about the cost of bilingual programs but desirous of having the best educational setting for all children.
   • Parents of native speaking children who fear that the costs of bilingual education will restrict your school's ability to pay for other programs such as art and music, science labs, et cetera.
   • Local politicians, who are aware that the parents of immigrant children are not citizens and cannot vote for them, but who are anxious to preserve community harmony.
5. Essay: choose one of the questions below and write a one- or two-page typed essay which answers it. Use at least two or three references to internet resources, and be sure to cite them correctly (check our guide to citations if you need help):
   • Argumentative essay: What do you think should be done with the children of immigrants? Explain your point of view in detail and respond to the possible objections that other people might raise to it. Try to persuade the reader to agree with you.
   • Cause/result essay: Describe the changes in the California School system that have been made by the passage of Proposition 227, the statewide initiative that completely changed that state's system of programs for non-English-speaking children.
6. Website analysis: Choose a website from among the links on this page, or find another on the topic. Write a short paper or prepare an oral presentation answering the following questions:
   • What is the site's purpose?
   • What is the intended audience of the site?
   • Is the site's information up-to-date; how can you tell?
   • Is the site's information reliable; how can you tell?
   • For what kind of writing would this website be an appropriate source?
7. Poster project: Make a poster showing how children in a bilingual program make the transition from their native language to English. Share it with the class.
8. Poster project: Make a poster showing how children in an immersion program make the transition from their native language to English. Share it with the class.
9. Your links: Find one or two sites which people who have used this page might want to explore. Note the URLs and write a brief description of why people would like to visit these sites.