FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Who is most closely associated with the concepts of second language acquisition and bilingual education?

1. Lev Vygotsky

2. James Cummins

3. Jean Piaget

4. Albert Bandura

The correct answer is: James Cummins

James Cummins is most closely associated with the concepts of second language acquisition and bilingual education. His work has significantly influenced the understanding of how individuals learn languages, particularly in educational settings. Cummins introduced important distinctions in language proficiency, such as Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills (BICS) and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP). BICS refers to the conversational language used in social contexts, while CALP relates to the more complex language required for academic learning. Cummins emphasizes the importance of supporting both language development and academic achievement through effective bilingual education programs. His theories advocate for the idea that maintaining a student's first language can enhance their second language acquisition, creating a foundation for academic success. This perspective is crucial in designing educational policies and practices that support bilingual students, making Cummins a key figure in the field. In contrast, the other figures listed have made significant contributions to education and social theory, but they are not primarily known for their work in second language acquisition and bilingual education. For example, Vygotsky is renowned for his socio-cultural theory of development, focusing on social interaction and the cultural context of learning. Piaget is recognized for his theories on cognitive development stages. Bandura is known for his work on social learning