Content-based Lessons: An Effective Approach for Securing Comprehension of Language Forms and Functions

Language comes alive when communicating a message. Forms and functions of language embedded in meaningful content-based lessons afford learners the opportunity to explore and analyze how the meaning of forms contribute to the message being communicated. In so doing so, the learners become more consciously aware of the role and value of structural forms. Too often, grammar is taught in a decontextualized manner in which learners see little value or connection with real language use.  Workshop participants will explore the pedagogical potential for activating grammatical structural awareness in both a math and a history lesson.