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What does the term 'submersion' refer to in language education?
Providing extra support to English learners in classes
Integrating language learning with physical movement
A sink-or-swim approach with no teacher support in mainstream classes
Using bilingual materials in classrooms
The correct answer is: A sink-or-swim approach with no teacher support in mainstream classes
The term 'submersion' in language education refers to an instructional approach where students who are English learners are placed directly into mainstream classrooms, often without any additional support for their language acquisition needs. This "sink-or-swim" model expects students to acquire the new language solely through immersion in a non-native speaking environment. As a result, students may struggle to keep up with the rest of the class, as they might not receive adequate instruction in their first language or sufficient accommodations to bolster their understanding of the content being taught. This approach often contrasts with more supportive strategies that provide scaffolding and bilingual resources, allowing students to gradually transition into using the target language while still having access to their native language for support. In essence, 'submersion' is characterized by a lack of tailored instruction designed to assist learners in overcoming language barriers, making it a challenging experience that can hinder academic success for English learners.