Content Based Instruction (CBI)

CBI is an approach to language teaching that focuses not on the language itself, but rather on what is being taught through the language; that is the language becomes the medium through which something new is learned. CBI is designed to provide second-language learners instruction in content and language. During the lesson students are focused on learning about something

Advantages:

·      Learners are expose to a considerable amount of language through stimulating content

·      CBI supports contextualized learning; learners are taught useful of language that is embedded within relevant discourse contexts rather than as isolated language fragments.

·      Greater flexibility and adaptability in the curriculum can be deployed as per the students interest

Disadvantages:

·      Because CBI isn’t explicitly focused on language learning. Some students may confused or may even feel that they aren’t improving their language skills

·      Some students may copy directly from the source texts they use to get their information

·      It can be hard to find information sources and texts that lower levels can understand