WHAT IS CLIL?

Some definitions

An approach . . . that may concern languages; intercultural knowledge, understanding and skills; preparation for internationalisation and improvement of education itself. (Marsh, 2002)

A meaning-focused learning method . . . The aim is learning subject matter together with learning a language. (Van de Craen, 2006)

An ‘umbrella’ term used to talk about bilingual education situations (Gajo, 2007)

Bentley (2010) The TKT Course: CLIL Module

Some key abbreviations

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)

Aprendizaje Integrado de Contenidos y Lenguas Extranjeras (AICLE)

L’Enseignement de Matières par l’Intégration d’une Langue Étrangère (EMILE)

So . . . What is CLIL?

Content Language

The Intersection

What is CLIL?

L2 is used as the medium of instruction for other curricular areas: Math Science Social Studies Art Music P.E. . . . And more

TWO APPROACHES

What else is CLIL?

Content from other curricular areas is introduced into the L2 classroom: Vocabulary about ecosystems A text about prehistoric settlements in

Cantabria Names of musical instruments A video about a famous athlete

TWO APPROACHES

Types of CLIL

Soft CLIL

Hard CLIL

Type of CLIL

Time Context

Language-led

45 minutes once a week

Some curricular topics are taught during a language course

Subject-led (modular)

15 hours during one term

Schools or teachers choose parts of the subject syllabus which they teach in the target language

Subject-led (partial immersion)

about 50% of the curriculum

About half of the curriculum is taught in the target language. The content can reflect what is taught in the L1 curriculum or can be new content.Bentley (2010) The TKT Course: CLIL Module

A little bit of history

The term CLIL was coined in 1994 We can see examples of CLIL in history:

Ancient history: The Sumerians and Akkadians

Middle Ages: Latin and French Colonial period: French, English, Portuguese

and Spanish Illustration and Elite language instructions Bilingual and Multi-lingual communities in

the 20th Century

WHY CLIL?

Benefits of CLIL

Introduce learners to new concepts through another language

Improve learner’s production of L2

Improve learner’s performance in L2 and subjects

Increase learner’s confidence in L2

Develop critical thinking skills

Bentley (2010) The TKT Course: CLIL Module

Motivational Factors

Language is used for a purpose REAL COMMUNICATION!

Task-based approach PROJECTS

Professional challenge for teachers Creates links between different curricular

areas Facilitates coordination between

different teachers