Perspectives Content-Based Instruction in EFL Contexts: Considerations for Effective Implementation

Recently, there has been growing interest in content-based instruction (CBI) in foreign language education, particularly in English as a foreign language (EFL) education. However, there are a number of challenges for successful imple-mentation of CBI in EFL contexts, and its implementation therefore needs to be carried out with careful consideration and preparation. Based on a review of previous studies as well as the author’s observation of various CBI classes in EFL contexts in East Asia, this paper identifies factors that influence the effective-ness of CBI including: (a) program setting and curriculum, (b) characteristics of teachers, (c) characteristics of learners, and (d) resource availability. The paper concludes with a series of suggestions for the successful implementation of CBI in EFL contexts, with particular emphasis on the implementation of CBI in Eas