The Contributions of Theme-Based CBI to Turkish Young Learners' Language Development in English

Abstract

This study aims at discussing the contributions of Content–based Instruction (CBI) to young learners’ language development in English. Among the three models of CBI, theme-based model has been used in the study, since sheltered and adjunct models are not so functional as theme-based model in Turkish public schools. Experiments have been conducted in both control and pilot groups. The pilot group students have been taught basic language skills in English through theme-based CBI. Both groups have been given an achievement test at the end of the study. The findings indicate that there is a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of both groups in terms of the language development of the young learners. Pilot group can be said to have developed their language skills in English better than those of the control group. Theme-based CBI can be more effective for young learners who are in the process of first language acquisition.

Keywords

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Öz

Bu çalışma, Konuya dayalı İçerik Temelli Yabancı dil öğretiminin birinci dil edinim sürecindeki çocukların yabancı dil gelişimlerine katkılarını tartışmayı amaçlamaktadır. Deney grubundaki çocuklara İçerik Temelli Öğretim yöntemiyle 15 hafta boyunca İngilizce öğretilmiştir. 15 hafta sonunda her iki gruba da öğrencilerin İngilizce temel dil becerilerindeki başarılarını saptamak amacıyla başarı testi verilmiştir. Alınan sonuçlar, deney grubundaki öğrencilerin dil gelişimlerinin kontrol grubundaki öğrencilerden anlamlı bir farkla fazla olduğunu göstermiştir

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Konuya dayalı İçerik Temelli Öğretim, çocuklara yabancı dil öğretimi, dil edinimi

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8. Asst.Prof.Dr. Nalan KIZILTAN is a lecturer of linguistics in the Department of

9. English Language Education at Ondokuz Mayıs University, Kurupelit-SAMSUN,