Catering for a variety of learners - Essay Example

Activity Read both Cummins (1979) and the Clarkson references (at least) and comment on them. It would be interesting if some of the group could reflect, and if possible find some more research reference material, on what this theory might or does mean for teaching in other subject areas.  Linguistics form an important part of the culture these days. It is said that linguistics are the basic identity of a culture which help individuals to know about themselves even more. Linguistics are used in all forms of verbal expression and hence they are widely used in the aspect of education too.

With the tremendous pace of globalization it is seen that multilingual students exist all over the world and this has created a subject for research. It is believed by many that these multilingual students are at a loss if they do not excel in the primary language which is being used in schools and universities. However this belief is denied by many when it comes to excellence and perfection. This essay would further analyze the works of Cummins and Clarkson in relation to these aspects (Cummins 2006; Clarkson 2006).

Multilingual and Bilingual students are able to speak two or more languages which gives them an edge over others who can speak only one language. English is primarily used for educational curriculums and hence these multilingual students are encouraged to excel in that specific language. In many schools English as a language is promoted for these multilingual students whereby their mother language is ignored. The teachers in these schools believe that English as a primary language is more important than other languages when it comes to studies.

However this is denied by several researches done by Cummins and Clarkson. It is seen that Cummins in his researches is denying these beliefs and stating that it is necessary for students to learn all the languages and excel in them accordingly. According to his researches it is seen that students who have a grip on different languages are able to build up excellent rational critical techniques (Cummins 1979; Cummins 2006) These techniques help them to excel in education and further improve their base.

Clarkson affirms this view by researching on Australian Vietnamese students and how their bilinguals help in developing their rationality of mind. Mathematics is a subject of thought and being bilingual helps these students to think even more. The research by Clarkson showed that students who had a grip on many languages showed more positivity when it came to studying mathematics in the class (Clarkson 2006). Cummins through his research also affirmed that linguistic abilities lie in the minds of the students and the foundation of students is in their mother language.

Hence mother language should not be compromised in any way as it helps the students to build up their critical abilities. Cummins further tells that these students should rather be encouraged to speak many languages together so that they do not lose their talent and rather increase their abilities. If the students are asked to leave their multilingual skills then the students can suffer losses as it may provide them a hindrance for their studies. Students with multilingual skills are able to relate different languages and think in the language which is particularly easy for them as put down by Clarkson.

Bilingualism would help the students to grasp skills for different subjects. Learning English is quite important in the class whereas learning other languages is also quite important for these students (Cummins 2000; Cummins 2006). It is seen that to excel in all the subjects it is necessary that diversity is promoted in the schools and universities. These universities should let the students interact in different languages so that they can develop their skills. These skills can then help students to perform in every aspect of life.

BibliographyCummins, J. (2000). Language, power, and pedagogy: Bilingual children in the crossfire. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters. Cummins, J. (2006). Multiliteracies and equity: How do Canadian schools measure up? Education Canada, 46(2), 4-8. Cummins, J. (1979). Linguistic interdependence and the educational development of bilingual children. Review of Educational Research, 49(2), 222-251. Clarkson, P.C. (2006). Australian Vietnamese students learning mathematics: High ability bilinguals and their use of their languages.

Educational Studies in Mathematics, 64, 191-215