CBI at the Community College Level: Is it Feasible? Content-based instruction (CBI) refers to the teaching of language through exposure to content that is interesting and relevant to learners. This content serves several purposes. First, it provides a rich context for the language classroom, allowing the teacher to present and explain specific language features. Additionally, it addresses the learners’ need for cognitively challenging input that can both facilitate language acquisition and help foster critical thinking skills. In their pioneering volume on CBI (1989), Brinton, Snow, and Wesche identified three prototype models of CBI—theme-based, sheltered, and adjunct—documenting their implementation in a variety of ESL/EFL contexts. Additional “hybrid” models of these three prototypes have continued to evolve as institutional experiences with CBI expand. Although many agree with the teaching/learning concepts that underlie CBI as an approach to second language instruction, numerous factors can impede its successful implementation. In this 90-minute workshop, panelists explore the question of whether CBI is feasible in the California community college context. Following a brief orientation to CBI, presenters from five California community college programs provide details on existing CBI programs at their community colleges. They then discuss successes and challenges in implementing CBI at the community college with respect to a variety of issues, including the selection of content or discipline areas, program design, funding, and administrative concerns. Audience members are encouraged to ask questions and share their own experiences. Panelists: Donna M. Brinton University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA dbrinton@usc.edu Nancy Sander West Los Angeles College Culver City, CA SanderN@wlac.edu Sharon Jaffe Santa Monica College Santa Monica, CA JAFFE_SHARON@smc.edu Patricia Kelly Southwestern College Chula Vista, CA pkelly1@swccd.edu Marsha Chan Mission College Santa Clara, California marsha@sunburstmedia.com Barbara Luther Saddleback College Mission Viejo, CA bjlu5903@att.net

1. CBI at the Community College Level: Is it Feasible? Donna M. Brinton, University of Southern California Nancy Sander, West Los Angeles College Sharon Jaffe, Santa Monica College Patricia Kelly, Southwestern College Marsha Chan, Mission College Barbara Luther, Saddleback College

2. Session schedule Time Topic Presenter(s) 9:00 Welcome and introduction of panel participants Donna 9:05 Overview of CBI and its models Donna 9:30 Description of CC programs Panel participants 9:55 Questions to participants Donna 10:20 Additional questions from audience All 10:30 End of session

9. The “prototype” models CBI Theme-Based Sheltered Adjunct

12. Example #2 English for Academic Purposes (EAP) writing course Advanced ESL writing course in which students investigate homelessness in the U.S. via essays, academic text excerpts, a short story, and a documentary video. Critical thinking and writing skills are stressed. Christine Holten (personal communication)

15. Example 9 th grade sheltered English This class follows the regular English 9 syllabus but enrolls only non-native English speakers. Students read well-known short stories and an abridged version of Great Expectations . The teacher includes additional vocabulary exercises and provides students with extra study questions. Adamson (1993)

18. Example Freshman Summer Program 1 st year university students attend a summer bridge program to prepare them for the demands of the university. The program involves an EAP course paired with a general education course (e.g., Introduction to Psychology, Human Geography, Political Science). Academic preparation is stressed. Brinton, Snow, & Wesche (2003)

19. Example Glendale Community College Based on an initiative proposed by the College Access Program, ESL instructor Young Gee conducted a needs analysis of his students; based on this analysis he paired his advanced reading and writing class with the social science class “Asians in America.” Gee (1997)

20. Fast forward 20 years…

23. CBI today: The evolving architecture Brinton (2007) CBI Theme-Based Sheltered Adjunct Sustained Content Modified Adjunct Simulated Adjunct Modified Sheltered Other “ Hybrids” LEI

32. Additional questions? Contact us… Donna M. Brinton, USC [email_address] Nancy Sander, West LA College [email_address] Sharon Jaffe Santa Monica College [email_address] Patricia Kelly Southwestern College [email_address] Marsha Chan Mission College [email_address] Barbara Luther Saddleback College [email_address]