Content-Based Instruction (CBI)

Content-Based Instruction (CBI)

Content-Based Instruction (CBI) is an approach under the category of Communicative Language Teaching.

Definition:  It is the teaching of content or information in the language being learned with little or no direct or explicit effort to teach the language itself separately from the content being taught. (Krahnke, 1987)

          Theory on Language

       1.      Language is text- and discourse-based.

       2.      Language use draws on integrated skills.

       3.      Language is purposeful.

Theory on Learning

1. People learn a second language most successfully when the information they are acquiring is perceived as interesting, useful, and leading to a desired goal.
2. Some content areas are more useful as a basis for language learning than others.
3. Students learn best when instruction addresses students’ needs.
4. Teaching builds on the previous experience of the learners.

Principles for CBI

1. Base instructional decisions on content rather than language criteria.
2. Integrate skills.
3. Involve students actively in all phases of the learning process.
4. Choose content for its relevance to students’ lives, interests, and/or academic goals.
5. Select authentic texts and tasks.
6. Draw overt attention to language features.

Pedagogical Elements in a CBI Classroom

1. Cooperative learning activities
2. Graphic organizers
3. Process writing
4. Critical thinking tasks
5. Values clarification

Similar approaches to Content-Based Instruction

1. Theme-based instruction
2. Topic-based instruction
3. Task-based instruction
4. Project-based instruction

This is the example of teaching reading CBI model.