Where We Work > Program List
Content-Based Instruction
Program Description
Gain the skills and confidence to teach content-based courses to English language learners in schools around the world.
Many schools now require their English language teachers to transition into teaching other subjects, such as math, history, or science, with the goal of making these schools bilingual. This type of education course that teaches a foreign language through a specific subject is called content-based instruction.
World Learning’s Content-Based Instruction program trains teachers in this method of instruction. Our five-week course guides participants through a series of practical, hands-on activities and theoretical information to be able to effectively balance the teaching of both language and content. In addition, it teaches the ethical use of AI to prepare participants for future decision-making and problem-solving in CBI.
Participants in this course will learn to:
- Design and adapt student-centered lessons.
- Identify and anticipate challenges students face, whether that be with learning English, the content matter, or the task design.
- Design targeted responses to address these challenges to best facilitate learning.
The course will effectively prepare teachers to either transition to content-based instruction or be professionally prepared to take positions in bilingual and international schools.
All coursework will be done asynchronously to accommodate participants’ schedules and time zones apart from an optional synchronous orientation at the beginning of the course. Downloadable module packets will be provided at the start of each module if participants prefer to work offline; however, participants are expected to be online to actively engage in constructive discussions with peers, take quizzes, and submit assignments. Upon conclusion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the SIT TESOL Center.
Program Goals
- Expand and enhance teaching professionals' ability to instruct English language learners in content-based courses (e.g., math, history, or science.)
Commitment & Cost:
- 5 weeks
- 5 hours per week
- $600 per participant
- Asynchronous coursework
- Optional: synchronous orientation during Week 1
Who Should Apply:
- Teachers with expertise in teaching English as a second language or English as a foreign language who want to expand their ability to teach content-based courses.
- Teachers with expertise in teaching content-based courses who would like to work in bilingual or international schools.
Instructors
Participants will have one of these instructors for the course:
Dr. Kara McBride is an expert in teacher training, curriculum design, and technology-enhanced learning, working on education projects worldwide since joining World Learning in 2016. She has designed online teacher training courses for the U.S. Department of State’s OPEN program, reaching over 25,000 participants in 100+ countries. In addition to her role at World Learning, Dr. McBride serves as an affiliated Associate Professor at SIT Graduate Institute. Previously, she was an Associate Professor at Saint Louis University, and she holds a PhD in second language acquisition and teaching.
Lois Scott-Conley is an experienced teacher educator with a focus on curriculum design, experiential learning, and teacher reflection. Since 2001, she has designed and led professional development programs for educators globally through her work with World Learning. She has extensive experience developing and teaching content-based courses for English language teachers, both online and in person. In addition to her role as Senior Education Advisor, she taught in the MA in TESOL program at SIT Graduate Institute and supervised pre-service teachers. Lois is passionate about equipping educators with practical, learning-centered teaching strategies that enhance learning in diverse contexts.
