Better Brains in Bilinguals

This youtube video linked below discusses the benefits of being a bilingual child and the science behind it. Some of the benefits include:

• When learning a second language at a young age, the two language systems might obstruct each other, but this obstruction strengthens the brain
• Minds of bilinguals are better at adapting to changing stimuli
• Bilingual mind's command centers are more nimble 
• Monolinguals do have a wider vocabulary at a young age, BUT this difference is easily made up for by bilingual students in the pre-teen years
• Bilingualism is equated with a 2.8% increase in average wages

I think this information is something teachers should acknowledge. These students are very bright. This connects to the Zawacki/Habib article as it brings up the idea that professors worry these students do not understand the material enough to even pass the course. All these facts demonstrate how intelligent bilingual students are. I think professors should be educated and informed on all this information. I feel like it would serve as incentive for professors to help ESL students even more. It demonstrates their maximum potential and capabilities. Currently, professors do not have the drive to assist ESL students with accommodations. Thus, providing factual information will demonstrate to the professors the idea behind bilingual students. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZANBvuS_iDU