content based syllabus

7/31/2019 Content Based Syllabus

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CONTENT BASED SYLLABUS

1. Definition & Examples

2. Characteristics

3. Principles

4. Advantages

5. Disadvantages

1. DefinitionThe content-based syllabus is the teaching of content or information in the language being learned with

little or no direct to teach the language itself separately from the content being taught ( Nunan 1988)

This syllabus is designed when the purpose is to teach some content or information in a language that

students are also learning.

Learners are helped to acquire language through the study of a series of relevant topics, each topic

exploited in systematic ways and from different angles (Nunan, 1988:49-50.)

The primary purpose is to teach some content or information using the language that the students are

also learning.

Content based instruction

Content-Based Instruction (CBI) is a significant approach in second language acquisition (Brinton, Snow,

& Wesche, 1989). CBI is designed to provide second-language learners instruction in content and

language.

The focus of a CBI lesson is on the topic or subject matter. During the lesson students are focused on

learning about something. This could be anything that interests them from a serious science subject to

their favourite pop star or even a topical news story or film

CHARACTERISTICS

1. The theory of languageThe theory of language assumed by content-based instruction embraces the full range of

communicative competence.

+ structural component (grammatical competence)

+ sociolinguistic and discourse competence


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2. Content-based instruction must reflect learners need for learning a second language.

The fact is that many content-based programs serve to prepare ESL (English as a Second Language)

students for academic studies or for streaming.

The need to be able to access the content of academic learning and teaching as quickly as possible is of

the central purpose.

Content-based approaches are built upon the previous experiences of the learners or the existing

knowledge of the subject matter that theyre concerned about.

The using of the pedagogical methods must aim at the overall development of the cognitive and

academic skills, as well as linguistic skills.

ADVANTAGES

(http://www.slidefinder.net/c/course_planning_syllabus_design/26197856/p2)

They facilitate comprehension

Content serves as the best basic for teaching the skill areas

They address students needs

They motivate learners

They allow for integration of four skills

They allow for use authentic materials

DISADVANTAGES

1. Teachers

- A lack of training in content-based syllabuses- Collaboration between the language teacher and the subject matter teacher is imperative

- Language proficiency of the subject matter teacher and the language teacher

(Source:http://www.ub.edu/filoan/CLIL/CLILbyNaves.htm)

2. Students

- Limited time to achieve adequate academic level3. Instructional Materials
http://www.slidefinder.net/c/course_planning_syllabus_design/26197856/p2http://www.slidefinder.net/c/course_planning_syllabus_design/26197856/p2http://www.slidefinder.net/c/course_planning_syllabus_design/26197856/p2http://www.slidefinder.net/c/course_planning_syllabus_design/26197856/p2


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- Little material available on the market4. Assessment

- How to assess subject matter and language skills within the educational system

(Source: http://www.ub.edu/filoan/CLIL/CLILbyNaves.htm)

content based syllabus

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