How Learning A Second Language Will Benefit Your Student
Learning a second language can have many benefits for students, some of which may be surprising. For example, studies including tens of thousands of high school students have discovered that students who study foreign languages often perform better on the American College Test (ACT) in English and Mathematics.
Along with this, learning a second language can provide many advantages that are worth seriously considering.
1. Career Advancement
High school students who study another language to the point of being able to read, write, and communicate can expect to set themselves apart from monolingual peers, as the demand for bilingual professionals is rising. This is one reason that applying for an international baccalaureate program has also grown in popularity, as it is focused on preparing students for a globalizing world where multi-language communication is a must.
2. Learning Multiple Languages
Although a focus on learning a second language is beneficial, the process of learning an additional language can actually prime your brain for being able to learn a third or fourth more easily. Research has shown that learning additional languages after a second language becomes much easier, especially among younger people. This is especially true of languages that have similar roots, such as Norwegian and Danish or Spanish and Italian. The international baccalaureate program is officially available in English, French, and Spanish, but their studies in language courses offer Language A: literature, in 55 languages, making it open to students who want to learn a language outside of these three.
3. Cognitive Benefits
Lastly, one of the largest benefits of learning a second language comes in the form of significant cognitive benefits, such as improved memory, problem-solving skills, concentration, listening, and multitasking. All of these benefits can help both in school and in the workforce when students go on to pursue their chosen professions. Additionally, learning a second language — or more — can also have the advantage of staving off signs of mental aging and cognitive decline, which can help keep their minds sharp even into old age. Learning a second language really is a benefit that lasts a lifetime.
While these are just three of many advantages, they are some of the most significant that can come from learning a second language. If your school offers entry into an international baccalaureate program, it may be worth encouraging your students to enroll, as it can be one of the best ways to introduce them to education that can help them succeed in an increasingly globalized society.
