Angela Grissinger

Professor Reilly

Video Debate Questions

23 September 2020

Video Debate

1. Jillian and Delany are on the Bilingual side, Angela (me) and Caroline are on the

English Only side.

2. Pros and Cons of Bilingual and English Only Education:

Bilingual Pros Bilingual Cons English Only Pros English Only Cons
Increased cognitive Can be inconsistent; some Helps develop stronger Beginner language

development; Children that schools do not offer listening skills. learners may struggle; if

know a second language bilingual education and they do not understand

perform better in tasks with some schools stop in high material or instruction

creative thinking, pattern school. they can fall behind.

recognition and problem

solving.

Early diversity; expand Content can be difficult; Encourages problem- Students can feel

knowledge and acceptance younger students can solving growth; finding uncomfortable; if they

with human cultures, learn struggle when learning a ways to communicate cannot communicate,

differences. new language in class. with instructors or other they will shy away from

language learners. doing so and this can

impact learning.
Improved memory; better It is not cheap; most schools Classroom management Students with lower
processing when exposed to cannot afford programs to may be easier; teachers English skills become

new sounds, concepts and teach bilingual education or can control the demotivated.

experiences. cannot afford components to conversation in the

help teach them. classroom.

3. Three key points for beginning discussion:

- English Only Education is beneficial because if both teachers and students only

speak English, this will implement the learners of the language to naturally use

English in their everyday activities.

- English only is NOT to punish ELL students; it is to help them understand and

learn English efficiently and to avoid confusion if there are other ELL learners

who speak another language.

- To help students better understand the language to help them enhance many skills;

communication, interaction, etc.

4. Three questions for the Bilingual Education side:

- Why is a dual language approach better to use in a bilingual setting?

- Why is the first language important in the instruction of an ELL student?

- How should students show the importance of both languages in instruction?

5. Three concluding statements:

- There are several important factors to both sides of English Only and Bilingual

Education that can implement better learning enviornments for students.

- These pros and cons do not only affect an ELL student, but their peers and

educators.

- Educators work and learn every day how to create a positive learning environment

for both ELL and general education students to succeed.