C.L.I.L

Content

Language

Integrated

Learning

One constant

In second language teaching:

More is more

However, the question is,

More What?

‘Traditional’ methods are strangely content neutral.

A quick look at an EFL textbook will reveal that it’s no actually about anything.

What content there is contrived to deliver English linguistics.

The standard attempt to solve the problem is to get down with the kids.

On average, a child will spend 1400 hours in EFL class by the time she’s 16

We have a choice

We can teach her the theory

Or the practice

Theoretical knowledge is indispensable

In order to correctly answer questions about theory

However, in order to ride a bike, which type of knowledge is better?

The lartey frimps krolacked blinfly in the detchy shilbor.

The lartey frimps krolacked blinfly in the detchy shilbor.

• What kind of frimps were they?• What did the frimps do?• How?• In what kind of Shilbor did they krolack?• Which word is the subject of this sentence?• Which is the verb?

A CLIL curriculum would be asking a different set of questions.

• Why were the frimps krolacking? Justify your answer.

• Imagine you had to krolack in the shilbor. What one item would you choose to take with you and why?

CLIL attempts to balance content and language.

Content Language

Where language is L2

And content is drawn from outside the typical EFL curriculum

CLIL also attempts to introduce ‘culture’ and promote cognition

However, there is a

Needs dictate the type of CLIL

• Soft CLIL

We introduce content into EFL classes

p4c

In order to make the EFL curriculum more engaging for learners

Needs dictate the type of CLIL

• Mid CLIL

A module is taught in L2 and the rest in L1

Science – Geografía – Historia

This would be appropriate for a pilot scheme

Needs dictate the type of CLIL

• Hard CLIL

One entire subject or more is taught in L2

Science - Physical Education - Art and Craft - History

Bilingual schools

CLIL is not new

The field of EFL is in love with jargon

CLIL used to be known as ‘immersion’

EFL also mind maps

Benefits

• More exposure to L2• Valuable content• Natural language use

Greater and faster L2 acquisition

Problems

• Age appropriacy disjunction• Teachers give up• Hard work• Poor training

Poor acquisition of contents

CLIL

Is not for everyone

Done badly it is worse than not doing anything

Done well it is beneficial in terms of L2 acquisition and cognitive development