Jim Cummins (professor)
Jim Cummins is a professor in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) of the University of Toronto. He is best known for his work on bilingualism, second language acquisition, and literacy development, particularly in the context of minority students.
Cummins' research has significantly influenced educational policy and practice related to language learners. His key contributions include the concepts of:
-
Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills (BICS): Refers to the language skills needed in everyday social situations. These skills are typically acquired quickly and are context-embedded.
-
Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP): Refers to the language skills required for academic learning and thinking. CALP is more abstract, context-reduced, and requires a longer period to develop. Cummins argues that educators must explicitly teach and develop CALP in second language learners.
-
The Interdependence Hypothesis: This hypothesis posits that competence in a first language (L1) provides a basis for competence in a second language (L2). Skills and knowledge acquired in the L1 can be transferred to the L2, making second language acquisition easier.
-
The Common Underlying Proficiency (CUP) Model: A visual representation of the Interdependence Hypothesis, CUP suggests that L1 and L2 skills are interconnected and draw from a shared cognitive and linguistic reservoir.
-
Empowerment Pedagogy: Cummins advocates for pedagogical approaches that empower students by valuing their linguistic and cultural backgrounds, challenging power relations, and promoting critical thinking.
Cummins' work has been widely cited and has had a profound impact on how educators understand and support multilingual learners. His theories have been used to inform curriculum development, instructional strategies, and assessment practices in various educational settings around the world. He has written extensively on these topics, publishing numerous books and articles that have shaped the field of bilingual education and second language acquisition.