ESL: The Concept of Immersion
             In ESL immersion has been subject to some controversy. On the one
             hand it is felt that immersion is a good way to force learners into the
             intricacies of the new language. In a school context immersion means
             teaching the entire school curriculum by means of the second language. The
             program was initiated in Canada to help English speakers with their
             proficiency in French, the other official language of the country. The
             program has been adopted in various forms in the United States as well.
             Apart from English, immersion programs are available in French, German,
             Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese (ERIC 1995).
             Proponents of the program have researched the various ways in which
             immersion can most effectively be accomplished. Content appears to play a
             central role in creating a favorable environment for the immersion program.
             Content should be integrated in the instruction process, and should follow
             a systematic approach along with language instruction.
             The immersion program operates from the assumption that absolute
             proficiency in a language is not a requirement for effective instruction
             through the language. According to this assumption, giving students a
             purpose for the new language they are using, they learn the language faster
             and more easily. The premise is that if important or interesting
             information is conveyed by means of the target language, a basis is
             established for learning. Conceptual and communicative substance is
             provided by means of academic content (ERIC 1995).
             Furthermore, many aspects of human development are included in an
             immersion language program. The program recognizes the connection between
             which students move, and seek to integrate these in Second Language
             Instruction while the school child grows up. All aspects of life,
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