Multilingual Education and Its Influence on Cognitive Flexibility Among University Students

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63345/ijrsml.v13.i7.1

Dr Alka Saini¹, Dr. Alka Gaur², Dr. Swati Prajapat³ & Dr Shubhra Chaturvedi⁴

¹Assistant Professor, Dhanauri PG College

Dhanauri Haridwar, India

²Assistant Professor, Jigyasa University

Dehradun, India

³Assistant Professor

Jaipur school of Business, JECRC University

Jaipur, India

⁴Professor, Department of Teacher Education

J V Jain College

Saharanpur, India

Abstract

In an increasingly globalized academic environment, multilingual education has emerged as a vital pedagogical strategy, equipping learners with not just linguistic proficiency but enhanced cognitive flexibility. This study investigates how multilingual education influences the development of cognitive flexibility among university students. Cognitive flexibility, the mental ability to switch between thinking about different concepts and adapt behavior to new, unexpected situations, is considered essential in higher-order learning. Drawing upon cognitive psychology and educational linguistics, the research surveyed 200 university students enrolled in multilingual programs across disciplines. Results demonstrate a positive correlation between exposure to multiple languages and increased adaptability, problem-solving, and mental resilience. These findings highlight the value of multilingual curricula in shaping intellectually agile individuals prepared for complex global challenges.

Keywords

Multilingual education, cognitive flexibility, university students, language learning, neurocognition

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