The concept of learning a second language through content instruction tools is not a new one. Language learners acquired language through pictures and stories long before the written word even existed. Learning a language this way has proved time and time again to be effective, but what does the integration of language and content really mean and look like?
Typically, teachers use a content-centered approach to different school subjects to provide a well-rounded language education. This means utilizing history, science and math lessons to promote the understanding of a subject as well as of a new language.
Gone are the days in which students had to be separated into different classrooms to learn different subjects. Today, teachers are incorporating everyday lessons into language courses, proving that language and other academic knowledge can be developed at the same time.
Not sure where to get started? Here are some strategies you can use for your classroom.
Why Is It Important to Learn Language Through Content?
With a wide array of content, students can better understand the ins and outs of a culture, while simultaneously improving their language skills.
The Types of Language Learning
There are two main language learning techniques that are used by students: Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills (BICS) and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP).
BICS
Students often begin their language learning journey with a focus on BICS. Known colloquially as “playground English” or “survival English,” BICS represents the basic language skills needed for face-to-face communication where linguistic interactions are embedded within a social context.
The fundamentals of BICS allow students to discuss themselves and relate to others socially. This level of language proficiency is one of the easiest to attain, and many students master it within 2 years.
CALP
CALP focuses on proficiency in academic language. Characterized as abstract and without the use of gesticulation, academic learning requires students to evaluate, classify and infer while also developing academic competence. Due to the level of in-depth knowledge required for CALP, this technique usually takes around 5-7 years to learn.
Content such as newspaper articles can be a great way to improve proficiency in this area.
What Content Should Be Used in a Language Curriculum?
The overall goal of a language course is to improve spoken and written language proficiency and to meet students where they are in their learning journey.
The following types of content can be used:
All Levels:
— Books and television shows
— YouTube videos
— Graphics
— Videos
— Movies
— Word games
Advanced Language Learners:
— Podcasts
— News videos
Learning Language Through Content: 6 Strategies
Every educator should have two teaching strategies, one for students who are at different levels, and another for students who are more advanced.
All Levels
1. Determine Language Objectives
The first step in any lesson plan is to develop objectives. Without language learning objectives, you won’t be able to know if your students are meeting their benchmarks and you won’t have a clear definition of success.
There are three steps to developing a language objective. Each objective should reflect the current level of your students.
- Language function. This describes what you do with the language in a functional way. For example, you could have students read a story and summarize its three main points.
- Deciding what content to use. Are you going to use a newspaper, a book or a website article?
- Support your students in accessing content. How will you get content to each student?
2. Utilize Multimedia Content
Students learn in a variety of ways, so feel free to switch things up for them! For example, it can be difficult to hold younger students’ attention spans for long periods of time, but multimedia content can help with that. As a teacher, you’ll need to make lessons relevant and meaningful to students. Videos and photos can help spark interest and get a conversation started.
Additionally, incorporating multimedia content into your lessons can help students develop other skills in relation to language acquisition, such as vocabulary, sentence structure, circumlocution and pronunciation.
3. Play Games
Playing games is not only entertaining, it can also be a fun and effective way to learn English! There’s so much more to language than worksheets, books and speaking exercises. Consider utilizing crossword puzzles to teach new vocabulary and spelling, Sudoku for learning numbers, jigsaw puzzles for identifying common objects and board games like Monopoly to learn about money and math at the same time.
Advanced Learners:
Advanced language learners will already have the basics of the language down, so their focus should be on fine tuning skills outside of simple language comprehension and interpersonal discussions. Many advanced learners need to use the language in a professional setting, and therefore must be able to draft high-quality papers and articulate their points on complex topics. The following tactics will help do just that.
1. Read Newspaper Articles
Newspapers are a great tool for learning English because they cover complex ideas. You can supplement in-class material with articles discussing the climate crisis, breaking news or business news. Newspapers can give students the vocabulary they need to succeed in a professional or academic setting.
It’s important to remember that newspapers aren’t only for older students. There are many news publications like The New York Times for Kids and Scholastic that are designed with young learners in mind. These publications mimic the style of a classic newspaper, but easily break down concepts to help children better understand the world around them. Learning through storytelling with visuals and real-world context can help students digest new words and concepts in a new language.
2. Talk About Current Events
If you aren’t sure where to start your lessons, turn to current events. Encourage students to read the news in the classroom and at home. This will provide them with important context in both their native language and their lessons.
Watching the news in a target language can also be a great way to acquire listening comprehension. Make sure to allow each student to explain their take on current affairs so they can utilize new vocabulary words.
3. Watch Movies
Language learners are often taught a formal version of the target language, so movies can help students gain a better understanding of how people talk. Film and television exposes students to different accents and dialects, helping improve their listening comprehension.
License Journalism from Top Publications
Not sure where to get content for your integrated English lessons? Many renowned publications like The New York Times and Harvard Business Review offer licensing agreements for their news articles, crossword puzzles, photos and more that you can use for a limited time in the classroom. Let our expert storytelling aid in teaching your students a new language, such as English, at all levels of comprehension!
Final Thoughts
Content is a powerful tool in language acquisition, for both teachers and students alike. If you are interested in learning more about the NYTLicensing Group’s content options for teaching and learning English, get in touch today.
