Some Possible Methods to Introduce Content-Based Instruction (CBI) for the Development of Communication Skills of Technical Students

Abstract

It is customary in language classrooms to upgrade the teaching methods to make it more learner-centred. Students’ attention could be drawn easily towards language learning through the content. The main objective of the present study is, to suggest possible ways to introduce content-based instruction (CBI) for the development of communication skills of technical students. The content of CBI can be teacher presentations, video sequences, guest lecture talks, relevant newspapers articles, scholarly articles, essays, informative texts, etc. Using this content, teachers can conduct student presentations, discussions, JAM sessions, role plays, note taking, summarizing, etc. An ideal content-based instruction class gives equal importance to both content and language through conversations that encourage student language use and development. Taking information from different sources, re-evaluating and restructuring that information can help students to develop very valuable thinking skills that can then be transferred to other subjects. Thus, CBI can be motivating and rewarding.