Unit 1 - Introduction

4. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Content Teaching


Arguably, there are considerable advantages and some disadvantages to content teaching and learning. As it becomes more developed and integrated in educational establishments, those disadvantages often disappear. Over time, others may appear but its benefits far outweigh its shortcomings.

You may have read about its advantages and disadvantages on the Young Learners course. So, for this section, consider the words below and separate them into advantages and disadvantages. 

1.4

Now watch the video. As you watch, make notes of the most important points related to each advantage and disadvantage.  


Now check your notes from the video against the points below. 

Advantages

It improves language competence.

Learners are more natural communicators. This comes from its dual focus, because their knowledge of the language becomes their means to learning content.

It develops multilingual interests. 

It fosters positive attitudes towards language learning, which in turn can lead to developing learners’ interests in other languages.

It allows teachers to diversify in the classroom.

Teachers can be flexible in their approach, and use a variety of tasks when teaching a topic.

It develops and increases learner autonomy.

With teachers' support, learners are encouraged to co-operate and work with partners or groups - they share, evaluate and analyse information.

It increases learners’ motivation.

In its dual aspect, content teaching stimulates learners to learn content and language together.

It could benefit future studies or work.

Learners improve their overall language competence, providing a strong basis for future learning.

Disadvantages

It may not be integrated effectively in schools.

It may have been introduced with the expectation of overnight success, rather than with proper consultation and/or as part of a long-term plan.

There may be a lack of training.

Teachers need time to retrain and understand this new approach and how they can use it effectively in the classroom. 

Subject teachers may lack confidence.

If they are non-native, being asked to give a science class in a foreign language may make teachers feel anxious.

Content teaching is considered to be unnatural.

It may not be appropriate to the content, eg with national literature or national culture events.