THE BILINGUAL IMMERSION MODEL COMPARED TO
THE TRADITIONAL MODEL
FOR TEACHING ENGLISH IN PUERTO RICO
By
Carmen I . Torres
Approved by the Committee on the Degree of Doctor of
Education
Date: October 18, 2000
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
the degree of Doctor of Education at Dowling College,
School of Education
Department of Educational Leadership and Technology
The Bilingual Immersion Model Compared to
The Traditional Model
For Teaching English in Puerto Rico
By
Carmen I . Torres
ABSTRACT
This study compared two models of bilingual education aiming to develop English
linguistic competencies. It assessed eighty 10th grade students from the bilingual immersion
(40) and the traditional English instruction (40) models to determine any improvement in English
oral proficiency skills of those participating in a ten-week cycle experience in the immersion
setting. The LAS-0 test results were assessed at a statistical difference of P=<.05 demonstrating
that there was a significant difference between them. Data to support the effectiveness of the
immersion model and these results were gathered for comparison of the aspects, features,
instructional practices and classroom settings of both models.