Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a term often used interchangeably with ESL (English as a Second Language). One technique often used by TESOL teachers is called immersion.

What is TESOL?

TESOL is a term used in North America.
TESOL is a term used in North America to refer to a teacher who is certified to instruct students who are not native speakers of English to become proficient in the language. In the United States, TESOL is a different certification than English teacher certification. TESOL instructors use different techniques to help their students acquire the language.

What is Bilingual Education?

A teacher can use different methods, such as bilingual education.
In bilingual education, a student receives some instruction in her native language. Certain subjects, such as a language acquisition class, can be taught in the native language to facilitate the learning of English.

What Is Immersion?

ELL students won't feel so alone in an immersion setting.
The immersion method calls for English Language Learners (ELLs) to be taught in English rather than using their native language, spending the majority of time in English language classrooms and absorbing the language by observation. This differs from bilingual education as the student will not receive any instruction in his native language.

Immersion Advantages

Students may learn language best from peers with strong skills.
Proponents of TESOL immersion say that it allows learners to grasp the language faster and is a cheaper and more natural way to acquire language skills.

Criticisms

Bilingual students have advantages in the working world.
Not all educators agree. Some feel that bilingual education allows students to master two languages, giving them more advantage in the working world.