A study on content-based instruction activities in middle school English textbooks based on the 2015 Revised National Curriculum

Abstract

This study investigated the content-based instruction (CBI) activities in middle school English textbooks based on the 2015 Revised National Curriculum. It investigated whether the CBI activities were designed to provide language learning opportunities and integrate various knowledge and skills. To this end, the analysis focused on the questions regarding the content subjects and topics provided in the activities of the textbooks, learning objectives of these activities and a detailed analysis of the activities. The results indicated that the CBI activities were designed to meet the goal of ‘creative convergence education’ by appropriately connecting various knowledge and skills with the topic of the unit. Yet, the activities were largely limited to a small number of subjects such as social studies, ethics, and technology and family. Also, neither clear language objectives nor content vocabulary were provided. Finally, the activities were mostly intended for group works, indicating that English proficiency levels will likely affect learning outcome. This study suggests that middle school English convergence education would benefit from including clear language objectives for the integrated activities as well as content vocabulary, and a variety of topics beyond the scope of daily life should be covered in the textbooks.