Which model describes providing instruction primarily in the student's first language with supplemental instruction in a second language?

Which model describes providing instruction primarily in the student's first language with supplemental instruction in a second language?

• A. Bilingual model
• B. Monolingual model
• C. Immersion model
• D. Transitional model

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how the classroom language is used to teach content. A bilingual model uses the student’s first language as the primary medium for instruction while adding support in a second language. This approach helps students access concepts and develop understanding in their strongest language, then gradually build proficiency in the second language through targeted practice, vocabulary development, and scaffolding. It allows meaningful learning from the start, with the second language introduced as a supplement rather than the sole medium. The other models don’t fit as well. An all-English (monolingual) approach uses only the second language for instruction, which makes initial understanding harder for many ELLs. An immersion model also teaches almost exclusively in the second language, which similarly limits access to content initially. A transitional model typically aims to shift students toward English over time and may not maintain the first language as the primary medium for instruction.

The main idea here is how the classroom language is used to teach content. A bilingual model uses the student’s first language as the primary medium for instruction while adding support in a second language. This approach helps students access concepts and develop understanding in their strongest language, then gradually build proficiency in the second language through targeted practice, vocabulary development, and scaffolding. It allows meaningful learning from the start, with the second language introduced as a supplement rather than the sole medium.

The other models don’t fit as well. An all-English (monolingual) approach uses only the second language for instruction, which makes initial understanding harder for many ELLs. An immersion model also teaches almost exclusively in the second language, which similarly limits access to content initially. A transitional model typically aims to shift students toward English over time and may not maintain the first language as the primary medium for instruction.