Archived Series – Content-based EFL

Documents

2004-05 Archived Handouts and Resources Handout: Content and Themes in ELT [MS Word] For Activity #1 during the session, please also download (or copy onto a piece of paper or a board) the graphic organizer called “Compare and Contrast” [PDF] from: Website: Everything ESL, Graphic Organizers Slides: Content and Themes in ELT [MS PowerPoint] Additional resources used: Website: Holidays as Content Website: Lesson Plans for Content & Language Website: Projects for Teens and Young Adults

Videos

2004-05 Archived Lecture Presentation Online access to the videoconference lecture requires a broadband (DSL, cable, ethernet, etc.) Internet connection. The lecture is available in RealPlayer formats for both Windows and Macintosh computers: Video Session, RealPlayer Format [RealPlayer is available for free for Windows and Mac from Real.] Video Session, Windows Media Player Format [Media Player is available for free for Windows and Mac from Windows.]

2004-05 Archived Series – June 24, 2005

Content and Theme-based Instruction in the ELT Classroom

Richard Boyum and Leslie Opp-Beckman, Speakers
June 24, 2005

Overview

This is the seventh lecture in a 10-part professional development series for English as a Foreign Language educators in Thailand. University of Oregon is partnering with the US Embassy in Bangkok, the Royal Thai Distance Learning Foundation, colleagues at Chulalongkorn University, and at ThaiTESOL on this innovative and exciting project.

About the Speakers

Richard Boyum is the Regional English Language Officer at the US Embassy Bangkok.

Leslie Opp-Beckman is on faculty at the University of Oregon in the Linguistics Department and the American English Institute. She develops e-learning curriculum and and teaches courses on Computer-Assisted Language Learning.

Discussion Questions

1. What kind of content is the “best” content?
2. What language skills are most effective with content-based instruction?
3. How does content-based instruction fit with other approaches and strategies in the curriculum?
4. How can I assess content-based instruction activities?

Online Resources

Pedagogical Readings
Following are some readings that explain what content-based instruction is and how it applies to English language learning and teaching. The first two readings in the list will give you a good basis for further understanding of this topic:

• Content Based Instruction, by Nik Peachey. A good, short overview of this topic.
• Into, Through, and Beyond: A Framework to Develop Content-Based Material, by Donna M. Brinton and Christine Holten. A clear step-by-step explanation on incorporating more content-based materials in the classroom.

Following are some additional readings for further information.

• Collaborate and Cooperate: Teacher Education for Integrating Language and Content Instruction, by Joann Crandall.
• Content Based Instruction in EFL Contexts, by Stephen Davies.
• Content ESL Across the USA: A Training Packet, from Grace Stovall Burkart, Ken Sheppard.

Practical Resources
Following are some resources that support content-based instruction and provide practical ideas for the classroom.

• Basics of Thematic Unit Planning, from NCELA.
• Content-based Surveys and Interviews, by Judie Haynes. Surveys can provide students with real reasons to communicate. They learn how to ask questions and acquire new content area vocabulary.
• Content Video in the EFL Classroom, by Stephen Davies. Offers guidelines for effective content-based teaching with video for high beginner and intermediate level students.
• Examples of Content Rich Sites on the Web, by Michael Krauss. A directory of sites that offer content and authentic resources.
• Graphic Organizers for Content Instruction, by Judie Haynes. Printable class handouts that help students organize content matter in a concrete, visual manner.
• Things to Do with Content-based Material, by Tom Robb. Offers suggestions for manipulation, guessing, take off point, and other kinds of activities.
• Web-based Projects, by Kimberlye Joyce and Patricia Stohr-Hunt. Many thematic and content-based resources on a wide range of topics.