Content-based Teaching

The first of the five models of integrated-skills approaches is content-based instruction. Quite simply, content-based (also known as “content-centered”) language teaching integrated the learning of some specific subject-matter content with the learning of a second language. The overall structure of a content-based curriculum, in contrast to many traditional language curricula, is dictated more by the nature of the subject matter than by language forms and sequences. The second language, then, is simply the medium to convey informational content of interest and relevance to the learner.

Here are some examples of content-based curricula:
- Immersion programs for elementary school children
- Sheltered English programs (mostly found at elementary and secondary school levels)
- Writing across the curricula (where writing skills in secondary schools and universities are taught within subject matter areas like biology, history, art, etc)
- English for specific purposes (ESP)

It is perhaps already clear that content-based teaching allows learners to acquire knowledge and skills that transcend all the bits and pieces of language that may occupy hours and days of analyzing in a traditional language classroom. Research on second language acquisition at various ages indicates the ultimate strength of learning that is pointed toward practical non-language goals. The meaningful learning principle applies well here. Learners are focused on very useful, practical objectives as the subject matter is perceived to be relevant to long term goals. This also increases the intrinsic motivation that is so important to learning of any kind.

Content-based teaching presents some challenges to language teachers. Allowing the subject matter to control the selection and sequencing of language items means that you have to view your teaching from an entirely different perspective. You are first and foremost teaching geography or math or culture; secondarily you are teaching language. So you may have to become a double expert! There are some team-teaching models of content-based teaching, however, that alleviate this potential drawback.

Content-based teaching instruction allows for the complete integration of language skills. As you plan a lesson around a particular sub-topic of your subject matter area, your task becomes one how best to present that topic or concept or principle. In such lesson it would be difficult not to involve at least three of the four skills as you have students reading, discussing, solving problems, analyzing data, writing opinions and reports.