TÁ AN LEATHANACH SEO AR FÁIL FOSTA I: nGAEILGE
According to research on bilingual education, the following are the results for students who attend a Gaelcholáiste such as Coláiste Oiriall:
- Better performance academically (Gallagher & Hanna, 2002).
- Easier to learn a third and a fourth language (Cenoz & Valencia 1994).
- An understanding and openness to other cultures. Children in Gaelcholáistí gain a deeper appreciation of the value of different cultures. Research shows that this results in greater tolerance and less racism. (Gallagher & Hanna, 2002).
- Improvement in cognitive functioning in creativity and communication. Bilingual children are better problem solvers and have increased understanding of maths concepts and more creative thinking. (Bialystok et al. 2005).
- Enhanced awareness of identity, culture and sense of community (Baker, 2003).
- Increased Self Esteem (Baker, 2003)
- Bilingual Education enriches academic productivity, creative talents and self-esteem in students (NMABE, 2006; Cummins, 2000)
- Improved communication and social skills (Cummins, 2000)
- Ability to work in more than one language is a valued skill. Students in Gaelcholáistí have additional opportunities because of their fluency in Irish.