Summary

�Content Based Learning is a study of both language acquisition and subject matter.
Instead of teaching language textually
the target language becomes the medium in which important information can be
learned. When the students are studying a content area
of interest (i.e. snakes, bad days or even, immigration etc), they are more
motivated to learn both thecontent and the language.

The students are actually able touse their new language. Content Based Learning is
most appropriate at almost all levels above
beginner giving students words to use within a certain context applicable to real-
life situation when they speak or write, extending
their vocabulary and speaking and writing skills. In other words, students learn
new words with every activity, and create a base
of words built on the activity. In effect the most basic word for CBL could be
called Immersion.

Essentially the teacher collects a diverse range of resources�for example, books,

comics, newspapers, magazines, website links or
DVDs related in some way to the language being learned utilising resources which
students have expressed an interest, which might
include such diverse subjectsas sports, cars, animals, music, films, dinosaurs or
anything else for which they have a genuine enthusiasm.
CBL does not specify which resources students should use for their learning,
allowing individuals to choose the material theyfind
most appealing.

Lesson activities can also challenge the students to complete a research task using
the resources the teacher has prepared. If the
topic were volcanoes, the teacher might ask students to find out what causes a
volcanic eruption and to list the ten highest active
volcanic peaks. The teachers role is to help the students refine their task,by
asking questions, aiding with translation or pronunciation
or by guiding them toward specific materials. The teacher might go on to ask the
students to write a report or conduct an verbal activity
about what they have found out using their new language as far as possible.

Pros Cons
Is very felxible Content can outweigh
language/grammar
Is very adaptive Demands constant
stimulous
Is very immersive Students must already
have knowledge of western culture
Can make lessons/teaching fun Teahcers have to
do two things; Content and Language
Developes enquiring minds Teachers have to
indentify with the content itself
Enhance problem solving
Encouraging independant thought
Contextualises the language

How Does TLH use CBL

Not only does TLH instruct prospective teachers in the use of CBL as one of its
main methodologies it also imparts this method
through the use of CBL itself, at least during the initial stage, giving advice on
classroom management and teaching by immersing
their students in that context.