Truths Of Learning a Second Language

In today’s globalized world, speaking a second language does not only offer advantages, but essential elements for success in life. Citizens of the world need to embrace other cultures to expand knowledge and tolerance. From businesses to consumers, from early child education students to higher education ones, from tourist travelers to luxury passengers, the international community shows integration and connection. Organizations need people who can lead the constantly changing world’s economy. Learning a second language facilitates individuals to develop these needed skills. At the same time, learning another language enhances academic achievement, cognitive development, and positive attitudes towards diversity. Simply said, second language learning is now imperative for growth in this contemporary global society.

In addition to world’s society contribution, learning a second language enhances any student’s school performance and cognitive development including: Problem-Solving Skills, Communicative Skills, Memory Performance (long & short-term), Creative & Critical Thinking, Attitude Toward Foreign Language and Culture, Higher standardized test scores, Higher reading achievement and Essentials of Second Language Acquisition.

As research expands in learning how the brain functions in bilingual and multilingual language, current studies unravel common myths. • Students who develop L1 (Native Language) and L2 (Second Language) acquire language skills equivalent to those acquired by speakers who have been in the L1-only programs.

The L1 assists second language learners to build up useful skills to function in a world’s society and academic world. The home language acts as a bridge for students, enabling them to participate more effectively in school activities while they are learning L2. For example, English as a Second Language students (ESL) tend to transfer literacy skills from their native language as well as memory strategies, learning strategies for content knowledge and for language development in English (L2). • It is another myth that children acquire L2 (Second Language) faster and better than adults. Children are not better language learners than adults because at a young age, they are still developing the conceptual abilities necessary for language learning and content knowledge development. Children are developing in parallel manner the cognitive and metalinguistic abilities necessary for L1 and L2 acquisition, such as literacy ability,

conceptual learning, and topic knowledge. In contrast, adults can transfer literacy skills as a tool for learning L2, as well as memory strategies, learning strategies for content knowledge and for language development. Studies have also found that the younger one begins to learn L2, the more native like the accent one develops in that language. This factor may be true since pronunciation involves motor patterns that have been fossilized in the L1 and are difficult to alter after a certain period of age. • Some theories about how people learn to speak a second language are related to the first language acquisition. In other words, the way individuals learned their native language (L1), they learn their second language (L2). For behaviorists, the processes involved in second language learning consisted of imitation, repetition, and reinforcement of grammatical structures. Other theories have been influential in promoting language teaching practices that focus on communication, not grammatical form. These communicative approaches give and take of natural conversations between native and non-native speakers as the crucial element of the second language acquisition process.

Being familiar with the second language learning process, brings awareness and understanding of this complex and beneficial process for all citizens of the world. Essentials of second language acquisition provides enhancement and development. Second language learning needs to be promoted as a main component of the curriculum. It gives not only cognitive and academic benefits, but career advantages as well. Bilingual or multilingual speakers have specific benefits over monolinguals speakers in this global connected world. These second language features will definitively make you consider the importance of learning English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, Portuguese, Korean, or any other language you consider attractive for this exciting new journey!

Author: Dr. Katya Pizarro is the Founder and President of Elite Language Academy (ELA), a hybrid -virtual language center in USA. As an innate educator, she lectures as a Professor at Broward College in Florida. Her research interests and publications relate to TESOL education, multiculturalism, schooling settings with ESL students, and professional development. Her dissertation Exploring Private School Teachers’ Perceptions and Pedagogical Efficacy with English language Learners, has effectively contributed to ESL teaching in U.S. She has frequently delivered presentations at Annual TASS, Teaching Academic Survival and Success Conferences. www.elitelanguageacademy.org

As Sagemont proudly concluded 25 years of excellence in May, so concluded a programmatic and co-curricular revitalization with a focus on increasing student engagement. Sagemont kick starts the 2022-23 academic year by infusing every grade level with curriculum enhancements founded on innovation and entrepreneurship.

An overarching thematic guide connects learners in the classroom from pre-school to 12th grade through defined objectives and signature projects. Sagemont’s curricular offerings allow students to plan, develop, and create projects that focus on real-world applications. A Sagemont learner is innovative and entrepreneurial, something we encourage and develop by focusing on seven key skill sets. With a focus on collaboration, being a reflective problem finder/solver, engaging in responsible risk taking, taking an analytical approach, all while fostering a curious and creative mindset, it is no wonder we have two campuses filled with extraordinary individuals.

Across each grade level, Sagemont students are immersed in real-world application through our well crafted grade level projects. Projects include immersion into Future City, a partnership with Uncharted Learning that allows all students from elementary school to high school to be engaged in launching their own businesses as a required part of their coursework. Leading the way does not end in the classroom, as demonstrated by our high school students, who manage and operate their own cafe on campus. Opportunities to extend learning both in and outside of the classroom are limitless at the Sagemont School.

Sagemont’s curriculum is enriched by incorporating an Apple ecosystem from kindergarten through 8th grade. Devices are only a part of this ecosystem. Students engage with technology as a means to enhance and redefine the learning experience. Technology integration happens in all grades and content areas as part of everyday instruction.

Sagemont provides a rigorous, vibrant, and robust learning environment that empowers students to lead. Sagemont’s intentional curricular pathways for students encourages authentic student engagement. When students are passionate, deeper learning occurs. This is the Sagemont difference! Our students take the lead in their education.

The Sagemont School empowers students to define their own path through active voice, choice and exploration.