Teaching English through content-based instruction in elementary schools

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Thesis Type: Postgraduate

Institution Of The Thesis: Ondokuz Mayıs University, Lisansüstü Eğitim Enstitüsü, Yabancı Diller Eğitimi Anabilim Dalı, Turkey

Approval Date: 2005

Thesis Language: English

Student: CEYLAN YANGIN ERSANLI

Supervisor: Nalan Kızıltan

Abstract:

Ill ABSTRACT In this study the effectiveness of Content-based instruction in teaching English to sixth-graders who are false beginner EFL students as compared to traditional foreign language teaching methods has been investigated. Two groups have been chosen randomly for the experiment. The experimental group has been exposed to the target language through Content-based language instruction, whereas the control group has been exposed to the target language instruction through traditional methods. The students in both groups have been given four achievement tests at the end of each topic, and a final test at the end of the fifteenth week. The data obtained from these tests have been analyzed through a statistical analysis program, Mann- Whitney U Tests. Students' success in writing skills, reading skills, grammatical competence, and vocabulary knowledge have been assessed and compared. The results of the tests have revealed that there is a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of both groups in each language skill, and also a significant difference has been found in their overall success. Based on these findings, Content-based language instruction can be said to be more effective in teaching English than traditional language teaching methods.