Is early second language learning really better? Evidence from research on students in CLIL programs
Fred Genesee | |
Le présent article passe en revue la recherche ayant examiné les bénéfices relatifs de l’apprentissage précoce et de l’apprentissage tardif d’une langue seconde dans des programmes axés sur le contenu ou programmes CLIL. La revue de la recherche se concentre sur les étudiants de langue majoritaire. | This article reviews research that has examined the relative benefits of early versus late second language learning in content-based or CLIL programs. Research on majority language students is the focus of the review. The importance of amount of second language exposure and the quality of instruction are also considered in relation to early versus late second language learning. It is concluded that while younger learners are often more successful than older learners, amount and quality of second language instruction are as, or more, important than age in school-based second language learning. Early introduction to second language learning in school must be accompanied by effective and coherent curriculum and instruction to result in advantages in comparison to a later start. |
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