0. Editorial

THE ELT PRACTITIONER

ISSN 2349-2155

Volume III Number III -- September-December 2016

Dear Readers

This is last issue of this year and The ELT Practitioner will complete its three years with your co-operation and all time support. This issue is based on Content-Based Instruction and which focuses on the topic or subject matter and it develops a much wider knowledge of the world.

The First Paper brings out the approaches related to the activities in promoting learners’ critical thinking skills and EFL skills with Content-Based Instruction. The CoBI adds to learners interest in the subject it helps learners develop a wider knowledge. It is useful when teaching ESP classes. It can be tailored to incorporate group work.

The second paper is purely based on research on the students through CBI. The students were given a pre-writing task to check their writing skills before the interventions. They were given process writing instructions and model / imitation essays to use for writing essays. A post-test was given at the end of the interventions. The students were also asked to fill a questionnaire on their attitude to writing. Only 27 scripts made it to the final stage as these students had gone through the entire process from start to finish. The findings indicate that all these approaches improved the writing skills of the students mainly in terms of output and structure. Spellings and language skills were not greatly impacted.

The third paper reveals that English for Academic Purposes had been an integral part of curriculum in educational institutions. But, the development of science and technology and business has broadened scope of Business English in the different spheres of human life. For example, engineering and technology and business are two significant spheres where English not only serves the purpose of communication to bridge the linguistic and cultural gaps but it has become a tool of inculcating knowledge amongst the students in the academic life.

The fourth paper is a report of a study that was undertaken in teaching the engineering students in the language laboratory in the shelter model of CoBI, for a period of one academic year, an analysis is done of the utility of shelter method to the Indian classrooms especially the lab sessions in engineering colleges which involves a careful selection gradation.

The last paper advocates that ESP is growing rapidly and many learners are being benefitted. To carry on the course successfully, both subject teachers and language teachers must work together. Learners’ psychological needs are fulfilled. This paper suggests that the learning would also be easy and meaningful by CBI.

Once again thanks a lot for your consistent support and co-operation and I assure that papers of this issue will open many horizons of CBI. Your precious feedback and suggestions are always welcome.

A splendid and fantabulous New Year to You all!!!

Keep Reading!!! Keep Thinking!!!

Dr Kumar Shravan