Understanding Language Acquisition IB Programme: an Essential Guide
Language learning in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program can help students succeed in a globally linked future. But what exactly is included in the language acquisition IB programme?
Also, how does it help students to prepare for the future and shape their experiences? Why is this learning crucial? Here, we will break down its main components and advantages and discuss instances of how it unfolds in our programme at BINUS SCHOOL Simprug.
What is Language Acquisition in the IB?
Within the scope of the International Baccalaureate (IB), language acquisition is an essential component of the course, guaranteeing the acquisition of a second language and an awareness of the cultures linked with that language.
Designed to accommodate both beginners and those with past language knowledge, the IB program provides a variety of language acquisition courses catered to students’ prior experience and competency.
Within the DP (Diploma Programme), students must study at least one subject from group 2, which focuses on modern languages. These courses aim to develop linguistic skills in varied contexts while promoting cultural awareness.
Students can choose from language ab initio courses designed for beginners or Language B courses, which are for those with some previous experience in the language.
Language acquisition is also included in the Middle Years Program, which motivates students to investigate learning a language from a more general perspective.
Importance of Language Acquisition in the IB Curriculum
The language acquisition IB programme is a pillar of the curriculum. Emphasising communication, empathy, and intellectual development is essential in helping children become internationally aware. Here’s the detail:
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Intercultural Understanding
Students can learn the culture associated with learning a new language. This exposure helps students develop empathy and open-mindedness by providing insights into many ways of life, viewpoints, and traditions.
So, with language acquisition, students not only come to value the beauty of another culture but also grow in the capacity to negotiate various cultural settings with sensitivity and respect.
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Critical Thinking
Next, learning a new language forces students to critically consider language structures, meanings, and usage. This means it’s much more than simply memorising vocabulary and grammar rules.
The language acquisition IB programme is designed to improve students’ critical thinking abilities by encouraging them to analyse texts, reflect on their language learning process, and engage in meaningful conversations.
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Personal Growth
Language acquisition in IB also contributes to personal growth. As students navigate the challenges of learning a new language, they build resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.
Interacting with foreign linguistic and cultural components can help students push beyond their comfort zone and grow personally.
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Global Communication
Communication is essential in today’s globalised culture, and the language acquisition IB programme allows students to participate successfully on a global stage.
The language courses seek to equip students with the capacity to create significant relationships with people from many linguistic backgrounds through fluency in several languages.
Language Acquisition in the MYP
Students enrolled in the MYP’s mandatory language acquisition IB course must study at least two languages. The goal is to enable them to acquire the necessary communication abilities for their academic and personal development.
Divided into six phases, the MYP presents a disciplined language acquisition program. These phases relate to the pupils’ past linguistic experience rather than age groups or year levels.
This flexible approach lets students advance quickly, enabling them to improve their language competency to the fullest extent.
Language Acquisition in the Diploma Programme (DP)
Meanwhile, in the Diploma Programme, the language acquisition IB programme becomes increasingly advanced and allows students to study languages in depth.
Students can select Language B, for those with some language knowledge, or Language ab initio, for students with some language experience.
There are also options to study classical languages such as Latin or Classical Greek, and online courses for French ab initio, Mandarin ab initio, Spanish ab initio, and Spanish B SL.
As part of the curriculum, students strengthen their language and critical thinking abilities by interacting with books, writing essays, and participating in debates included in the course.
Example of Language Acquisition Experiences in IB Schools
Language acquisition is integrated into students’ daily experiences across IB schools. For instance, at our BINUS SCHOOL Simprug Diploma Programme offers options like Indonesian B, English B, Mandarin B, and French Ab Initio.
One notable achievement is Nayla Anastasia Faizal, a grade 11 student who successfully won first place in DKI Jakarta’s French Olympiad 2022, a competition organised by IFI and the French Embassy of Indonesia by learning French in just three months.
These points highlight the diverse and rich learning opportunities for the language acquisition IB programme at BINUS SCHOOL Simprug, where students acquire new languages and develop confidence in their capacity for communication.
Read About: IB English Language and Literature Course and Guidance
Referensi:
https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/language-acquisition/
https://www.ibo.org/programmes/middle-years-programme/curriculum/language-acquisition/
https://www.literacentre.com/blog/language-acquisition-in-ib-curriculum/
https://www.wcpss.net/Page/20036
https://www.knowledgeumacademy.in/blogs/the-importance-of-language-acquisition-in-the-ibdp-programme
References for example of language acquisition experiences in BINUS SCHOOL Simprug:
