Different Models of Content-Based Instruction
Different Models of Content-Based Instruction
Different Models of Content-Based Instruction
The content-based curriculum removes the arbitrary distinction between language and content It reflects the interests and needs of the learners It takes into account the eventual uses the learners will make of the second or foreign language It exposes the learner to authentic materials and tasks It offers optimal conditions for second language acquisition by exposing learners to meaningful, cognitively demanding language; It provides pedagogical accommodation to learner proficiency levels and skills
Shared features
Content as a point of departure Relation to student interests/needs Authenticity of materials and task Accommodation of language to L2 learner proficiency levels THREE CONTENT-BASED MODELS
Theme-based language instruction - instruction in which the course is organized around a theme or topic rather than around another organizing feature (such as a grammatical syllabus)
Topics in theme-based instruction are chosen to be of high interest to students The units incorporate all skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar) The teacher present topics as a vehicle for language development--i.e., teaching language (not content) is the main goal Courses may cover a variety of topics or treat one topic more in depth
Sheltered subject matter instruction - classes in which students study content through a second language
The class is taught by a content instructor, not a language instructor The content instructor is sensitized to the language acquisition process and to students' language needs and abilities There is accommodation to the students' level of language proficiency Language acquisition occurs through content mastery; the focus is on content rather than language
Adjunct instruction - approach in which students are enrolled in "linked" or concurrently offered content and language classes
The linked classes are taught by content and language instructors respectively The purpose of the content class is content mastery; in the language class, the purpose is for students to master elements of the second language which are necessary for success in the content area The syllabi of the two classes are negotiated with respect to each other; typically, the content course provides a point of departure for the language class and dictates its sequence Coordination between content and language teachers is essential Language teachers need to be familiar with the content material (i.e., read the content textbook and attend content lectures whenever possible) The materials development load on the language teacher is heavy; this should be planned into the course assignment and teachers should be compensated or otherwise rewarded for the work load