CONTENT BASED INSTRUCTION

SARAY CISTERNAS B.

WHAT IS CBI?

The concurrent study of language and subject matter, with the form and sequence of language presentation dictated by content material…”

Brinton, Snow, & Wesche (1989)

Method of language instruction in which content and language work together.

FEATURES

Program is based on contentGeography

Science

Math

Meets students needs Language teaching focuses on communicating

meaning—not structure

ROLES

TEACHER Instructor

expert in the subject matter

able to elicit that knowledge from their Ss.

STUDENT Autonomous

Active

sources of content and join participants in the selection of topics and act.

GRAMMAR Grammar doesn’t exist

independently of vocabulary and discourse

Experience There are many ways to approach creating a CBI lesson. This is one possible way.

Preparation

A subject of interest is chosen.

Finding suitable sources that deal with different aspects of the subject. These could be websites, reference books, audio or video of lectures or even real people.

The lesson

Using small groups

Assigning each group a small research task and a source of information in the target language to use to help them fulfil the task.

groups sharing and comparing information.

A result in the form of an end product such as a report or presentation of some kind

PRINCIPLES

The subject matter content is used for language teaching purposes

Language is learned most effectively when it is used as a medium to convey informational content of interest to the student s.

Vocabulary is easier to acquire when there are contextual dues to help convey meaning.

Communicative competence involves more than using language conversationally It also includes the ability to read, discuss, and write about content from other fields.

MODELSBrinton, Snow, & Wesche (2003)

Theme-based instruction

Adjunct instruction Sheltered instruction

Theme-based instruction

Definition Based on topics or themes

Teachers Language teachersSpecial Features

•Focus on language & content•Easily adapt to needs of learners•Easily integrated into course•Widely used in EFL

Sheltered instruction

Definition Based on content andlanguage instructors respectively.

Teachers need to be familiar with thecontent material

Special Features Coordination between content and language teachers is essential.

Adjunct instruction

LET SEE…

In the university classroom, a Japanese teacher centers her instruction around themes such as food, music, and the family. The topic-based course supplements a course based on the study of grammar. According to the course developer: “Postponing content instruction while students develop more advanced academic language is impractical and ignores students’ complex educational needs.” (Morioka, n.d.)

Is it CBI? Answer: Yes! This is theme-based instruction--a form of CBI.

Advantages

Learning is interesting and motivating Students are more confident and

independent Students gain thinking skills Students develop collaborative skills

Disadvantages

CBI implicit language instruction can confuse

Overuse of native language can be a problem in some parts of the lesson.

Finding information sources and texts that lower levels can understand can be difficult.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtW5qelEaNQ

CONCLUSION

Students do not focus on learning about English. they learn through English

CBI can be both challenging and demanding for the teacher and the students, it can also be very stimulating and rewarding.

REFERENCES

Brinton, D., Snow, M.A., Wesche, M.B. (1989). Content-based Second Language Instruction. Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle.

Larsen - Freeman, D. (2000). Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching. (2nd Edition). Oxford University Press

Thank you for your attention

QUESTION

CONTENT BASED INSTRUCTION

PRINCIPLES

Language teaching is porpouses

The content have to be interesting to students

Vocabulary is easier to acquire

ROLES

TEACHER: Instructor

expert in the subject matter able to elicit that knowledge

from their Ss

STUDENTS are AutonomousAnd Active

GRAMMAR doesn’t exist independently of vocabulary

and discourse:

MODELS ADAVANTAGES DISAVANTAGES

Method of language instruction in which content

and language work together.