Research on EAP teaching model in medical university based on the concept of CBI (Content-based instruction)

Abstract

CBI (Content-based instruction) , integrating the content and language, can be used to guide teaching EAP (English for academic purposes). Main Teaching Models based on CBI (Content-based instruction) include immersion model, theme-based instruction and content for language practice. EGAP (English for general academic purposes) curriculum can be set up in medical universities in the second and third academic years, such as medical integrated course, medical listening & speaking course, medical writing course. ESAP (English for specific academic purposes) curriculum can be set up in the fourth and fifth academic years, such as clinical English, nursing English and stomato-logical English. Theme-based instruction can be applied in medical integrated course and listening & speaking course, including creating situation to lead in the theme, assigning tasks to experience the theme, setting topics to deepen the theme and giving assignment to explore the theme. Content for language practice model can be applied into medical writing course, such as teacher's demonstrating and explaining, students' absorbing and imitating and mutual evaluating. Immersion model can be used in ESAP (English for specific academic purposes), such as choosing typical cases to teach in English, teaching ward round in English, doctor-patient communication in English. Preliminary practice was carried out for one year, experimental class with theme-based instruction and content for language practice model, and control class with traditional teacher-centered teaching model. At the end of the practice, they were given the same test and questionnaire, it was found that CBI teaching models facilitated to improve the students' English level and also enhanced their study motive and independent study ability. Key words: Content-based instruction teaching concept; English for academic purposes; Curriculum design; Teaching model