Innovation, Survival and Processes of Change in the Bilingual Classroom in Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

While scientific methods of research can suggest ideas for improving the effectiveness of the bilingual classroom, field trials force academics to realise the complexity of variables in the applied context, which differs markedly from the experimental situation. Bilingual education is not only affected by differences between individual children and teachers but also by the beliefs and practices of the educational system and of the socio-cultural environment of the country. This paper describes a Bruneian project aimed at improving the English language learning of children in a bilingual education system. It is a project which attempts to come to grips with the complex and difficult nature of implementation of research ideas. The paper discusses the implementation problems and surveys recent initiatives undertaken to encourage cooperation among different sectors of the educational community for sustaining and improving on change. This study shows language planners that it is important not only to work on what needs to change, but also on how that change is to be achieved and sustained in a particular context.