Here is the title and abstract for my talk:
Interior Design: Leveraging Content to Support Academic English Language Acquisition
Core academic content can be a powerful motivator for language acquisition. By grounding grammar, vocabulary, learning strategies, functions, and other language skills in meaningful content, the conditions are set for purposeful learning. The key is employing instructional strategies that provide the comprehensible input necessary for academic English language acquisition to take place. However, in mixed classrooms of students with varying levels of English language proficiency, the instructional strategies scaffolding comprehensible input for English language learners have to be utilized without detracting from the learning experiences of their more advanced peers.
First focusing on English for Academic Purposes (EAP) classrooms, this presentation will review the principles behind Content-Based Instruction and the language through content approach. From this discussion, specific instructional strategies will be suggested for building core academic knowledge while also fostering the development of academic English language proficiency. Next, the potential of adopting EAP instructional practices across academic disciplines will be explored to understand how core discipline instructors can provide comprehensible instruction without jeopardizing essential academic outcomes. The potential for instructional cross-fertilization is proposed with meaningful academic content being adopted in English as an Additional Language programs and instructional strategies for language development flowing towards the content disciplines.
Key an eye on this webpage for more details:
http://www.bcteal.org/conferences/2014-interior-regional-conference
