Content-Based

Instruction in
English Classes
Olga Morozan,
AccessProgramCoordinator,
AmericanCouncilsMoldova,

Introduction

Look at the pictures say what you see

make a connection between them
share your ideas with the class

Fill-in the Table

Activities
1. Newspapers
http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/

Scan 1 online newspaper and write maximum 5

activities you could do with your students while
working with newspapers

Newspaper Activities
Handouts

Chants
Baby Shark
Boom Chicka Boom

Telling Lies

National Geographic
series

Experiment

Lets Share
the Table Results

CBI Definition
an approach to language instruction
that
integrates the presentation of topics or
tasks from subject matter classes
(e.g., math, social studies)
within the context of teaching a second
or foreign language,
appropriate to the grade level of the
students...

Consequences of CBI
The pupils experience the
diversity of areas
in the academic world

acquiring:
Communicative,
Linguistic, and
Academic competences.

Using CBI

PUPILS WILL BE ABLE TO: (1)

to apply the rules of grammar to
produce or interpret a message
correctly;
to connect several ideas together
appropriately, maintaining an
extended exchange of messages;

Using CBI

PUPILS WILL BE ABLE TO: (2)

to choose language usage according
to the social situation; and
to understand a basic meaning,
even when adequate vocabulary and
structures are lacking.

Principles for CBI

1. Base instructional decisions on
content rather than language
criteria.
2. Integrate skills.
3. Involve students actively in all
phases of the learning process.

More Principles
4. Choose content for its relevance
to students lives, interests,
and/or goals, not only from
language, but from other subjects.
5. Select authentic texts and tasks.
6. Draw overt attention to language
features. (stated in Slagoski,n.d.)

How to select?
Brainstorm with students the
Thematic Content from the
Curriculum
TIMETRAVELLING?

(Calabrese & Rampone,2007 )

Individul:
autocontrolul, autoformarea
1.1.Descrierea sa. Fizicul normali
anomaliile. Identitatea personal,
identitatea profesional.Documentele.
Vestimentaia popular.
1.2. Reperele sale. Calendarul zilei.
Spaiul riialofone. Unitile de msur.
1.3. Activitile intelectuale. Genuri i
preferine muzicale. Muzica popular.
Fotografia.Desenul.
1.4.Corespondena.

Literacy Centers

How to Implement Centers in

the Class
It might include 3 stages:
- Small Group Work with teacher;
- Center Work; and
- Tablework: Independent Seatwork.
(Mcdowel, 2010)

Putting it all together