Immersion learning : what, how, and for what purposes?

الملخص EN

Among the most interesting and effective innovations in second language education during the last three decades have been the immersion programs developed in Canada.

The rationale of such programs is based upon the belief that one learns a second language by actually communicating through it.

Immersion learning is a method of second language instruction in which the second language is the major vehicle for integrating language instruction, content instruction, and communication.

It can be brought about by developing a variable repertoire of instructional approaches, techniques, strategies, and activities via which teachers can help students understand both the second language and its content.

The main purpose of immersion learning is to develop students' second language acquisition and the learning of academic content and cultural situations.

Hence, students should be able to communicate and interact competently with more people in more places in an increasingly independent world community.