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Content- b ased L anguage. CALL – Chapter 8. Focus on content. The content is the reason for learning The content determines the choice of patterns of vocabulary and grammar Materials must provide individualization. Content-based language programs.
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Content-based Language CALL – Chapter 8
Focus on content • The content is the reason for learning • The content determines the choice of patterns of vocabulary and grammar • Materials must provide individualization
Content-based language programs Content-based Instruction – CBI • Content-based instruction (CBI) - teaching is organized around the content or subject matter such as history or social studies (Richards & Rodgers, 2014, p. 116) • CBI involves a language teacher teaching social studies, math, history through English, working with a content teacher to co-teach a course, or a content teacher designing and teaching a course for ESL learners (Richards & Rodgers, 2014, p. 116) • Elementary and secondary education
Content-based language programs English for Special Purposes (ESP) • English for special purposes (ESP) programs are specifically devoted to professional fields of study. For example, a course in English for Agriculture or in Business Writing. • ESP students can get majors and degrees. • It is aimed at higher education.
Challenge for teachers The challenge of teaching specific purpose or content-based language is that: • English teachers are seldom knowledgeable about the specific language area because the teachers themselves are not experienced in those areas • Future doctors, business executives, and research-scientists sit side by side in an regular English program, but their needs for specific purpose language may differ
What instructors should do • Determine the quality of the material • Determine if the level of the materials is appropriate for their students • Consider if the length of the materials is appropriate for the assignment • Consider how to sequence materials coming from different sources
Websites • Tip 1: Appropriate language for students’ specific purpose needs UsingEnglish.com
Websites • Tip 2: CALL activities that explicitly teach field-specific language such as pre-teaching vocabulary, lexical phrases, and grammar EnglishClub.com Adult Learning Activities
Websites • Tip 3: Provide learners with opportunities for interaction with the computer and with other English users Englishforums.com
Websites • Tip 4: Develop learners’ strategies for finding and using field-specific materials online Arlyn Freed’s ESL/EFL ESP The Open Courseware Consortium