L6 CLIL

13.01.17

Activity 1.7

In your opinion

1- What is “Content and Language Integrated Learning” (CLIL)?

In our opinion, CLIL is a methodology you use to teach content from other subjects through English. So in this case, the language is just a medium, a vehicular language. The main objective of this methodology is both to learn some content and also to improve their communicative skills.

2- Is there any difference between immersion and CLIL teaching?

3- If so, what are the main differences?

CLIL and immersion are not the same. There are some differences between them such as:

CLIL	IMMERSION
Non-native teachers	Native teachers
The language is not assessed	The language is assessedtwo
Two objectives (learn the context and the language)	One objective (ensure that students become proficient)
It is not necessary to have a high level on the language	It is necessary to have a high level on the language
The language is a foreign language	The language is present in the student’s context
Adapted material	Authentic material
Students can use their L1	L1 is not allowed

Activity 2.7

In your opinion

1- What is the aim of (CLIL) in relation to the teaching of L2/FL?

The aim of CLIL is not only to teach a language, but also to teach some other contents. This methodology has some advantages as for example, students are more relaxed because the language is not assessed, so they can talk freely. That also increases motivation because they can see how their language improve without studying it. 

On the other hand, the teaching of L2 only focuses on teaching language. Students are bored of studying the same content every year and they do not feel motivated because they do not see any improvement. For this reason, we think it would be a good idea to introduce CLIL methodologies once in a while.

2- Should CLIL become a substitute for general language teaching, and be used as the sole method for teaching L2/FL as its the trend in “Vocational Training”?

We think that it would be better to combine both methodologies. We can propose some researchers in which students have to investigate about a topic in English, so they are learning contents from other subjects and English at the same time. But it is also important to teach them some grammar and vocabulary in order to give them more tools for writing and speaking. 

3- Should there be some coordination between the teaching of FL in general and CLIL courses?

The coordination between the teaching of FL and CLIL courses should exist, so the teachers do not repeat the same content. It is also interesting because in the FL classes we can explain those aspects which they can use when doing the CLIL courses. For example, if they are going to see something related to history, in the FL class they can review the tenses that refer to the past. By doing that, we help them to express their ideas in a correct way.