Written question asked by Neil Gerrard (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 24 October 2002. It was answered by Stephen Twigg (Labour) on Thursday, 24 October 2002 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what recent research she has commissioned on how children with English as an additional language learn English most quickly; and what the findings were of the research. - (Holding answer 21 October 2002).

Answer: Mr. Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent research she has commissioned on how children with English as an additional language learn English most quickly; and what the findings were of the research. [76144] Stephen Twigg: [holding answer 21 October 2002]: There is already a great deal of research evidence from the UK and elsewhere about effective strategies for teaching English as an additional language (EAL). The general consensus among practitioners in England is that EAL teaching is most effective where it is firmly embedded across all National Curriculum subject areas. This ensures that pupils have the opportunity to learn English in a meaningful subject-specific context. My Department's role is to ensure that the particular needs of bilingual learners are properly taken into account in all policies and programmes aimed at raising standards. Recent examples include the development and dissemination of EAL modules as part of the National Literacy and Numeracy strategies and Key Stage 3.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 76144; 391 c464W;391 c463W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Children Education Languages English language Pupils Schools Research
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk