According to a report by New American Economy, the demand for bilingual workers more than doubled from 2010-2015. Considering the demand for home health and personal care aides in the next decade will continue to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, so will the demand for bilingual health care workers.
It may not surprise you to learn that learning is easier in your native language. Here are some key reasons why that is the case.
1. Learning in a Native Language Improves Performance
A 2021 study focused on an abrupt language policy change in Malaysian schools from different native languages (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese, or Tamil) to English. The study found that this change in language of instruction negatively influenced students’ achievement in mathematics and science tests throughout primary and secondary school years.
The study concluded that learning in one's native language helps children improve their cognitive skills in mathematics and problem-solving. Ultimately, the results suggested that children learning in their native languages develop their core skills better, including those that are important for developing other skills, such as learning a second language.
2. It Empowers Students
It is estimated that 40% of the world population does not have access to education in their native language, which can frequently hold back a student’s learning.
UNESCO has been a major proponent for multilingual education based on the native language from the earliest years of schooling. According to UNESCO, learning in native language is a key
factor for inclusion, quality learning, and improving learning outcomes and academic performance.
Multilingual education empowers all students to fully take part in society. It boosts their self-confidence, self-esteem, and fosters mutual understanding and respect of each other and helps preserve the cultural and traditional heritage of every language.
3. It Helps Forge Emotional Connections
Nelson Mandela, a famous anti-apartheid activist and former president of South Africa, once said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”
In other words, learning in your native language helps you better connect emotionally to the subject at hand. It may provide a more holistic experience because it acknowledges your roots, identity, culture, and heritage in a way that learning in a non-native language may not be able to. Ultimately, that can lead to greater appreciation of one’s culture and a more positive relationship with the education system.
When children are learning in their native language, it can help them feel more connected to their parents and relatives who speak the language, and make them feel closer to home (whether as a physical place or as an idea). It also reminds them of the beauty of cultural diversity and how it contributes to society as a whole.
4. It Enhances Collaboration Between Students
Learning is a social experience, and learning in a native language may help foster a sense of belonging. It can also help students establish connections with other native speakers and enhance collaboration between them.
Multilingual students sometimes have trouble organizing and expressing their thoughts in a non-native language. Forcing them to do so can be like to putting speed bumps in their way. Once they have their ideas and thoughts organized in their native language, then teachers can work with them on transferring these ideas into their second language.
5. It Also Benefits Teachers
The above-mentioned study in Malaysia also found that changing the language used at school to English not only was detrimental for the success of the students, but also negatively impacted the quality of instruction and ability of teachers. In other words, teachers can teach more effectively in their native language.
In order for native-language based multilingual education to be effective, it is necessary to recruit teachers from minority language groups. Hiring teachers from minority language groups can help widen children's horizons and raise their ambitions and likelihood of successful learning outcomes.
As you can see, learning in a native language can help students on every level: personal, developmental, social, intellectual, educational, and social. Using a native language allows students to communicate and connect with each other, but also understand and better appreciate their own history and culture.
Ultimately, it also impacts students on an economic level. Multilingual people will have increased job opportunities after they complete their education, which will also benefit the economy.
Get HCA Training in Spanish with Cornerstone
Cornerstone now offers an opportunity to complete all of your Home Care Aide (HCA) training and skill labs 100% online and 100% in Spanish. Cornerstone is now the only company that is contracted with DSHS to conduct courses fully in Spanish.
The HCA Training certificate is an approved 75-hour basic training course by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Your HCA training certificate is part of earning your full HCA certification.
In addition to the HCA courses, Cornerstone also offers student support in Spanish. A fantastic team of native Spanish speakers is happy to support you during your training.
You can select from one of four DSHS-approved 100% online training plans, depending on your previously completed training and your ultimate training goals:
HCA 1 Learning Plan - Best for caregivers working in an Assisted Living Facility or Adult Family Home (AFH) providing care to clients living with mental illness or dementia (Core Basic Training and Safety and Orientation are included)
HCA 3 Learning Plan - Same as Learning Plan 1, but does not include Orientation and Safety Training
HCA 5 Learning Plan - Best for caregivers who need Core Basic Training and Orientation and Safety Training only
HCA 6 Learning Plan - Best for caregivers who only need Core Basic Training and have already completed other training.
With Cornerstone, you can now complete the training portion of your home care aide certification in your own time, at your own pace, and, most importantly, in Spanish from beginning to end. If you are not sure which plan is right for you or your staff, our customer service team can help you find the best program.
Cornerstone’s HCA program has proven success for native Spanish language instruction. We are confident that native Spanish speakers will have a positive experience learning with us so they can feel comfortable and confident in their careers and provide the best experience for their clients.