Content-Based Instruction, Cooperative Learning, and CALP Instruction: Addressing the Whole Education of 7-12 ESL

Abstract

Much more than content-based instruction (CBI) is necessary to meet the needs of 7-12 ESL students. Cooperative learning and cognitive academic language instruction (CALP) instruction should be incorporated into CBI in order for middle and high school students to become self-directed learners capable of advancing to higher education. All teachers who work with language-minority students, not just ESL teachers, must play a part in helping their students to gain the linguistic ability, content knowledge and academic skills necessary to succeed in their classes and beyond high school.