AKITA – October 2014 – Content-Based Instruction Workshop – Brent A. Jones, Konan University. Content-focused language teaching approaches such as Content-Based Instruction (CBI) and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) continue to gain both recognition and credibility. In this workshop, participants were introduced to both the theory and practice of such approaches, with special emphasis on the affective learning domain. After looking at the various benefits and challenges of a content-focuses approach, the presenter introduced an example of a theme-based CBI program that is currently being used in a tertiary-level English program for management course students in Japan. The aim here was to highlight each step in the instructional design process at both the macro (curriculum) and micro (task) levels. Participants were challenged to consider the motivational merits of implementing a content-focused approach in their own teaching contexts.

The JALT College and University Educators Special Interest Group (CUE-SIG) helped sponsor Brent’s talk at this Akita JALT event.

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Bio: Brent A. Jones has taught ESL/EFL in Hawaii and Japan since 1987, and has been involved in teacher training since 2002. He has worked in corporate training programs at Sony, Mitsui Trading, Hitachi Shipbuilding, Nestle, and Sumitomo Chemicals. He was formerly the coordinator of the Business English Program at Kobe Gakuin University, and is currently the Director of Language Programs for both the Management Course and Study Abroad Course at Konan University, Hirao School of Management. His major research interests are L2 learning motivation, extensive reading, curriculum development, instructional design, content-focused approaches to language instruction and creativity.

Fall is Chrysanthemum season in Akita: