Should STEM programs compete with World Language programs?

Why would there be competition between World Language and STEM?

Here at QTalk we are STEM fans - that is, we love Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics! It is wonderful to see that schools at all levels are increasing the number of challenging programs to develop these essential skills. But we are startled to find out at times that world language program resources are considered to be less important than the resources devoted to STEM. In this case, there is synergy, rather than competition. STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - can be taught  most successfully when a child's level of language acquisition and language-related cognitive development is very well nurtured. The fact is, a child who commands multiple languages, is primed for rapid mastery of these technical skills. What are programming languages, after all? They are languages.

 Why not trilingual?

According to the pubication French Morning, "Bilingual education is booming! More and more parents understand the benefits of a bilingual education for their children, changing the face of so many schools in the city and the country." We applaud this trend. But there is no need to stop at bilingual. With the right approach, any child will easily master three, four or more languages. This is normal in many parts of the world. However in the United States there is a huge challenge because monolingual school administrators and parents do not always appreciate the importance of encouraging multilingualism. In some cases it is assumed that the few hours of language class during the school day or in after-school or summer programs, is insufficient to develop language fluency. The fact is, with the right teaching method, children learn very rapidly, with a permanent language foundation they can build on for a lifetime.

Maurice Hazan helps a student using Q-Card.

Language Learning delivers STEM success

The most innovative educators are adopting new methods that reflect how the human brain actually works. Unfortunately the major publishers are unable to respond rapidly to the new discoveries in brain science. This makes the contributions of small sole-source publishers even more critical, because there is no bar to rapid innovation. To prepare our chidren for the world of tomorrow, the most effective and engaging pedagogy is essential. The human brain's capacity for learning is enormously impacted by the environment and teaching method. We can help the brain develop its full potential not only for language, but for related abstract thinking and semantic systems such as computer programming, scientific research, engineering and data manipulation. Teaching STEM without the cognitive foundation is a huge mistake. Unfortunately many administrators are failing to recognize how language learning delivers the cognitive skills for STEM success.

To learn more abou the QTalk Method of language instruction, visit QTalkPublishing.com or call us any time at 877-549-1841.