Arab World English Journal, August 2015 Bejaia University, International Conference Proceedings – 2015 Pp. 61 –69
Integrating the Content-based Instruction into the American Civilization Class
Abdelhak Elaggoune
University of 8 May 1945 – Guelma
Algeria
Abstract:
Despite the fact that content-based instruction (CBI) is a curricular model that allows foreign language learners to simultaneously improve content of the subject matter and language skills, many Algerian foreign language teachers usually focus on the course content and neglect the linguistic aspect. This paper reports on an experiment conducted with first year EFL students where content-based instruction was implemented to foster the integration of content and language in order to provide a vehicle for foreign language learning. In the American civilization course taught in the department of English at Guelma University, a theme-based CBI instruction method was used as a means of providing first year EFL students with the opportunity to reinforce their language skills through themes in American history accompanied by a set of tasks conceived to promote their target language skills. Such an activity-based approach enabled students both to assimilate the content of the American civilization course and also to improve their foreign language proficiency.
Keywords: American civilisation; Content-Based Instruction (CBI); critical thinking; integrating language and content; study skills