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Learning content in a second language: Advantageous for the brain? A comparison of monolingual and bilingual students´ cognitive aptitudes in mathematics learning

This study investigated the relationship between bilingualism and cognitive
skills. It shows how 10 to 12 year old bilingual learners apply cognitive
aptitudes on mathematic tests compared to monolingual speakers. The study
took place in Mexico and compared monolingual Spanish speakers with bilingual
Spanish ? German speakers regarding their cognitive aptitudes. The cognitive
skills that were being investigated were velocity in spatial speed, short-term
memory, logical thinking and abstract reasoning.

This study is especially addressed to teachers and parents because it shows
the cognitive impact on a child who is learning content in a second language.
The results demonstrate that bilingual education in the group tested increases
the positive use of cognitive skills on tasks such as mathematics. The study
also indicates a difference between gender in which boys outperformed girls
in the tests.

Finally, this study has been conducted to encourage bilingual education in
Mexico and to show parents that this kind of education does not overwhelm
their children, on the contrary, it augments their ability to use their cognitive
skills.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:UDLA-Thesis/oai:ciria.udlap.mx:u-dl-a/tesis/1052023185971
Date13 May 2010
CreatorsTheraulaz, Marie
ContributorsDra. Lydia Elizabeth Giles Torres, Dra. Connie Rae Johnson McDaniel, Dra. Brita Banitz
PublisherUniversidad de las Américas Puebla
Source SetsUDLA-Thesis
Languagein
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation, Tesis o Disertación Electrónica
Formatapplication/pdf, text/html
CoverageMaestría

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