Improving the Comprehension and Vocabulary Skills of English Language Learners With Content Integrated Language Instruction for Adults

We have developed a program called Content Integrated Language Instruction for Adults, incorporating research-based practices in vocabulary and language instruction to facilitate a deep and broad understanding of complex content. A subset of words critical to comprehension of the subject matter is covered in each lesson, using group discussion and extensive writing as well as utilizing contextual clues and doing morphological analysis. We have implemented this curriculum with two cohorts of English Language learners studying U.S. history and civics. There was significant growth in both vocabulary (for intentionally studied words, incidentally encountered words, morphologically complex words) and comprehension of the content.