Outside Classroom

Reading skill

Internet Content-based Activities for English for Specific Purposes

            Content-based instruction as the most appropriate method to learn and construct knowledge resulted in the development of activities to integrate the Internet into the classroom. A content-based curriculum integrates target language learning and content learning. It based on the content and the use of authentic materials.

            The main of an ESP course is to help students acquire the linguistic and communicative skill. The Internet is a learning tool in the content-based ESP syllabus. Activities for ESP explored the following 5 formats: topic hotlists, multimedia scrapbooks, treasure hunts, subject samples, and WEbQuest. WEbQuest develop problem-solving skills and promote learning through analysis of complex concept. WEbQuest are inquiry-based activities; students can interact with information coming on the Internet < Dodge 1995>. There are 5 steps for WEbQuest. WEbQuests are activities specially suited to content-based language learning. The teaching and learning principles of WEbQuest are assign small groups of students with a challenging inquiry and scaffolding the learning process to promote higher order thinking <March 1997>. There are 3 components such as promoting motivation and authenticity, developing thinking skills and fostering cooperative learning.

            The Internet has been successful used in ESP and content-based instruction. WEbQuest can be used in a content-based syllabus for ESP. It fit well in a learner-centre curriculum that seeks to help students develop autonomous learning. ESP students become more motivated and WEbQuest helps students develop academic skills such as scanning, skimming, paraphrasing, summarising, organizing, analysis and problem solving.

Vocabulary	Pronunciation	Meaning		Sentence
		Thai	English
scrapbook < n.>	/ ˈskræpbʊk /	สมุดขนาดใหญ่สำหรบติดภาพ	a book with empty pages where you can stick pictures, newspaper articles, etc.	He keeps scrapbooks full of them at his home in Bradwell, Milton Keynes.
perspective <n.>	/ pəˈspektɪv /	ความสามารถในการคิดเกี่ยวกับปัญหา	the ability to think about problems and decisions in a reasonable way without exaggerating their importance	She was aware that she was losing all sense of perspective.
feasible< adj.>	/ ˈfiːzəbl /	ที่ทำได้	that is possible and likely to be achieved	It's just not feasible to manage the business on a part-time basis.
controversial < adj.>	/ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːʃl /	ที่ก่อให้เกิดการอภิปรายโต้แย้งอย่างกว้างขวาง	causing a lot of angry public discussion and disagreement	Winston Churchill and Richard Nixon were both controversial figures.
oversimplify < v.>	/ˌəʊvəˈsɪmplɪfaɪ /	อธิบายง่านเกินไป	to describe a situation, a problem, etc. in a way that is too simple and ignores some of the facts	It's easy to oversimplify the issues involved.
hindrance<n.>	/ ˈhɪndrəns /	คน/สิ่งที่เป็นอุปสรรค	a person or thing that makes it more difficult for sb to do sth or for sth to happen	To be honest, she was more of a hindrance than a help.