Langage Immersion vs Content-based Language Learning

In our classes, we have talked about 'immersion language learning' and 'content-based language learning.'  These two methods certainly have a lot in common -- indeed, frequently the two terms are used interchangeably.  Some argue, however, that there are differences.  

Josef Messerklinger suggests that one typical difference seems to be the age of the target student: 'immersion' referring to programs focusing on early childhood and elementary education, and 'content-based language learning' referring to programs geared toward secondary, university, or adult students. (Click here for Messerklinger's entire essay.  I found the "Similarities and Differences" section most helpful.)

Also, several of the immersion studies cited in Lightbown and Spada's How Languages are Learned are based upon research done on the French Immersion Program in Canada.  A few years ago, Jim Cummins, a respected scholar and researcher in the TESOL field, wrote an essay summarizing and describing what researchers have learned from more than 30 years of research on Canada's immersion program.  (right, Jim Cummins)