Content + Language: Europes CLIL and Americas CBI

Robert J. Dickey Korea TESOL Gyeongju University rjdickey@content-english.org

Purpose of adding content

Learning authentic language Learner motivation
Always ??? topic choices consideration

Preparing for overseas studies or reading/writing international publications 46% of universities in Japan now offering content courses in FL, number is growing in Korea and across Asia

No agreement on definition!
Over 35 terms of art in use, including
content-based language instruction integrated content and language learning content-focused language learning enhanced language learning teaching English through content immersion and of course, CBI and CLIL

No agreement on definition!
Diversity is the definition?
How many different ways to analyze aims and orientations? All-inclusive a good thing? For classrooms where a commitment has been made to content learning as well as language learning

Various descriptive typologies

No agreement on focus
Using content to learn English
content pre-selected
content determines language points
content-driven language learning?

choosing language points from content

content selected by language instructor (& students?)

language aims determine content selection? language aims determine content use? common source for all content materials?

No agreement on focus
Using language to learn content
Teaching Through English, Foreign Language Medium Instruction Total Immersion Krashens version of Sheltered Subject Matter Teaching

Decisions made by Administrators Departments (hosting the course) Teachers

A few Types of CBI

Subject Majors (e.g., Sociology, History, Art, Business) Academic Skills (EAP) Technology (e.g., computers/Internet, watching movies/commercials/, music) Vocational Skills Linguistics/Literature GRAMMAR???

Teaching Methods
CBI does not dictate methods/ techniques/approaches
Task-based learning is a popular choice

Arguably predates Communicative Language Teaching by centuries Not an English Only requirement Does not dictate medium of instruction distance learning, CALL, audio, video

Duration of Content
Sustained Content 6 weeks + each Thematic multiple weeks each Topical multiple class hours - maybe One-off Lessons / Learning Activities Even simple Classroom English???

Content-learning Designs
Adjunct classes
Regular content course with NS students + language class complement

Sheltered Workshops
Content course with language learners only, simplified content or presentation

Immersion (full or partial) Topical/Theme-based language courses

Content-learning Designs
Content-based design implemented at
Curriculum level Syllabus (course) level Lesson level

Target Language use

* Textbook * Class discussions * Lecture (only) * Homework/Reports

* Quiz / Exam

* Combinations

One mix of content and

Content Matrix for Elementary Themebased / Topical studies

Another (my) perspective

Balance of content & English

Based on various factors Possibility of intentionally grading the levels of content and language in a series of courses Dont neglect learner anxiety as a multiplier of all other issues A Gradient Continuum of classes? Content courses just one part of overall language learning program

Striking the Balance

Gradient Continuum ideas

For More Info

www.content-english.org
Robert J. Dickey rjdickey@content-english.org