Content - based instruction to enhance english reading skills in frisrt – semester students.

Abstract

This research project explores the use of Content-Based Instruction (CBI) as a method to enhance English reading skills in first-semester students of the Pedagogy of National and Foreign Languages degree program at Universidad Estatal Peninsula de Santa Elena, the reading comprehension is one of the main language skills that can be acquire through the use of Content based instruction CBI. The research employed qualitative approach focusing on phenomenological study performing interviews to five educators and they shared their experiences, perceptions, and recommendations concerning the implementation of CBI in first semester students. CBI uses scaffolding to adapt the method when the classroom has challenges such as different English levels and time limitations to adapt materials. The study concludes that implementing the CBI method in first semester contributes to developing reading comprehension, critical thinking and vocabulary while gradual adaptations, collaborative strategies, and proper adaptation of materials to optimize results and facilitate the learning process.