1. TBLT 2009 Lancaster Aviva Soesman Tel Aviv University
Applying Content- and Task-Based Instruction in an EAP Project on Postmodernism
Aviva Soesman
Tel Aviv University

2. Content-based Instruction – rationale / benefits
Presentation Outline
Content-based Instruction –
rationale / benefits
Task-based Instruction –
The project
Students’ feedback

3. Content-based Instruction
“the concurrent learning of a specific content and related language use skills” with “the selection and sequence of language elements determined by the content ” (Brinton, 2007: 11)
Different models
Common concept: integration/knowledge

4. Content-based Instruction: WHY?
Removes “arbitrary distinction” (Brinton, 2007: 17)
Language learning more authentic - language in context and used for communicating meaning =real world (e.g., Garner & Borg, 2005; Pally, 2000)
Added Knowledge (Stoller, 2002; Wesche,1993);
“Two-for-one” (Wesche & Skehan, 2002: 221)
Therefore: Motivation / Engagement (Nunan, 2004)
Vocabulary reinforcement (Shih, 1992; Murphy & Stoller, 2001)
Schemata (Pally, 2000)

5. CBI in EAP: WHY? Bridges Gap between EFL and other courses
Simulation of University settings – authentic / relevant (Stoller, 2004; Wesche & Skehan, 2002)
Simulation of actual subject matter - motivating/ relevant
Variety of similar subject matter = better preparation for needed skills (Shih, 1992; Kirschner & Wexler, 2002; Garner & Borg, 2005)
“The most educationally appropriate approach”
for EAP (Garner & Borg, 2005: 120)

6. Student-centered / autonomy (Flinch, 2005)
TBI: WHY?
Communicative Activities and Meaningful language use (Jeon & Hahn, 2006; Nunan, 2004)
Student-centered / autonomy (Flinch, 2005)
“Learning by doing”, active (Lingley, 2006; Nunan, 2004)
Collaboration (Ellis, 2003; Cobb & Lovick, 2007)
Authentic – real life and academia (Nunan, 2006; Shih, 1992)

7. TBI: WHY? Breaks Routine (Cobb & Lovick, 2007)
Cognitive investment/mental effort = deeper language processing = long-term retention (Cobb & Lovick, 2007)
Functional reading, read for clear purpose (Bogaert, 2005)
Therefore:
Student engagement and increased motivation (e.g. Cobb & Lovick, 2007; Nunan, 2004; Willis, 1996)

8. CBI and TBI Traditional CBI and TBI
Focus on discrete language and reading comprehension skills
Focus on acquiring, synthesizing and applying knowledge
Linguistic Knowledge
Academic Literacy

9. A Learning Sequence on PM
Framework
Five lessons – two core texts + other materials
- Activities acquiring knowledge
- Activities applying knowledge
Oral presentations

10. Simulation of academic tasks
The Tasks
Jigsaw – information gap task - groups
Movie (Blade Runner)
Jigsaw – pairs
Pictures – reach consensus
Steps, Interaction, Non-linguistic purpose, Meaning, Cognitive, Observable Outcome (Cobb and Lovick, 2007)
Simulation of academic tasks

11. Integrative Project Subtasks and oral presentation
Purpose of oral presentation
Three stages 1.Choose piece
2.Find source
3.Give presentation
Instructions

12. Rationale Natural sequence, but student-centered
Simulation of academia:
-access academic sources
-synthesize information
-apply theory, show understanding
-analyze work of art
-oral presentation
Oral presentations (King, 2002; Kirschner & Wexler, 2002)

13. Students’ Feedback Understanding of PM: 4.9 Asking questions only: 1.8
Good assessment tool: 3.8
Important skills: 3.7
Negative comments
Positive comments

14. Applicability in different EAP contexts
In Conclusion
Applicability in different EAP contexts

15. References
Bogaert, N. (2005, September). A task-based route to Academic Literacy. Paper presented at the International Conference on Task-Based Language Teaching. Leuven, Belgium. Brinton, D. M. (2007, June). Content-Based Instruction: Reflecting on its Applicability to the Teaching of Korean. Paper presented at the12th Annual Conference American Association of Teachers of Korean. Chicago, Illinois. Cobb, M. and Lovick, N. (2007, September). The Concept of Foreign Language Task, Misconceptions and Benefits in Implementing Task-based Instruction. Paper presented at the 2nd International Conference on Task-Based Language Teaching. Hawaii. Ellis, R. (2003). Task-based Language Learning and Teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Flinch, A. E. (2005). The postmodern language teacher: The future of task-based teaching. Unpublished Document. Retrieved October 2008 from Garner, M. & Borg, E. (2005). An ecological perspective on content-based instruction. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 4, Jeon, I. & Hahn, J. (2006). Exploring EFL Teachers' Perceptions of Task-Based Language Teaching: A Case Study of Korean Secondary School Classroom Practice. Asian EFL Journal, 8 (1). Retrieved October 2008 from

16. References – Cont.
King, J. (2002). Preparing EFL learners for oral presentations. The Internet TESL Journal, 8(3). Retrieved on 12 January 2003 from
Kirschner, M. & Wexler, C. (2002). Caravaggio: A design for an interdisciplinary content-based EAP/ESP unit. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 1,
Lingley, D A Task-based Approach to Teaching a Content-based Canadian Studies Course in an EFL Context. Asian EFL Journal, 8 (3). Retrieved October 2008 from
Murphy, J.M. and Stoller, F.L. (2001). Sustained-Content Language Teaching: An emerging definition. TESOL Journal, 10 (2/3), 3-6.
Nunan. D. (2004). Task-based Language Teaching. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Nunan, D. (2006). Task-based language teaching in the Asian context: Defining ‘task’. Asian EFL Journal,8 (3). Retrieved October 2008 from
Pally, M. (2000). Sustaining interest/advancing learning: Sustained content-based instruction in ESL/EFL – Theoretical background and rationale. In M. Pally (Ed.). Sustained Content Teaching in Academic ESL/EFL: A Practical Approach (pp. 1-18). Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

17. REFERENCES – Cont.
Shih, M. (1992). Beyond comprehension exercises in the ESL academic reading Class. TESOL Quarterly, 26(2), Stoller, F. L. (2002). Content-Based Instruction: A Shell for Language Teaching or a Framework for Strategic Language and Content Learning? Retrieved 20 January 2009 from Stoller, F. L. (2004). Content-based instruction: Perspectives on curriculum planning. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 24, Wesche, M. B. (1993). Discipline-based approaches to language study: Research issues and outcomes. In M. Krueger & F. Ryan (Eds.), Language and Content: Discipline- and Content-based Approaches to Language Study (pp ). Lexington, MA: D. C. Heath. Wesche, M.B. & Skehan, P. (2002). Communicative, Task-based and Content-based language instruction. In R. B. Kaplan (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Applied Linguistics (pp ). New York: OUP. Willis, D. (1996). A Framework for Task-Based Learning. London: Longman