What is CLIL?

Summary

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is an innovative educational approach that combines language learning with subject knowledge. Originating in the late 20th century, CLIL became widely recognized in 2006. The method focuses on integrating content, communication, cognition, and culture, aiming to enhance language proficiency and cognitive development. The CLIL framework, particularly beneficial in vocational education, supports multilingual communication and provides students with valuable skills for both domestic and international job markets. By using language to teach content and vice versa, CLIL enhances learning and motivation, preparing students for real-world challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 CLI stands for Content and Language Integrated Learning, a method combining subject learning and language teaching.
• 😀 The method uses both content and language to enhance learning, teaching subject matter through a foreign language and vice versa.
• 😀 CLI was developed in the late 20th century and officially named in 1994 by David Marsh.
• 😀 The approach gained prominence after the 2006 Eurydice report and is now widely used in Europe.
• 😀 Tail Coil's 1999 framework focuses on four principles: content, communication, cognition, and culture.
• 😀 Teachers can plan effective CLI lessons by asking key questions about content, vocabulary, cognitive skills, and cultural context.
• 😀 Key benefits of CLI include improving foreign language proficiency, acquiring subject knowledge, and fostering cognitive and social skills.
• 😀 Students develop greater social and cultural awareness and gain practical knowledge useful beyond the classroom.
• 😀 CLI motivates students to learn by integrating real-world applications and enhancing learning engagement.
• 😀 The method is especially valuable in vocational education, helping students develop communication skills necessary for multilingual workplaces.
• 😀 CLI enables students to learn a trade and gain the knowledge necessary to seek employment both domestically and internationally.

Q & A

What does CLIL stand for?

CLIL stands for Content and Language Integrated Learning, a teaching method that uses both a subject and a foreign language to teach.

How does CLIL differ from traditional language teaching methods?

CLIL differs by integrating content learning with language learning, meaning students learn both the subject matter and the language simultaneously.

When did CLIL become widely recognized?

CLIL became widely recognized after the Eurydice report on CLIL in 2006, though it was officially named in 1994 by David Marsh.

What are the four key principles of CLIL, according to T. Coil's framework?

The four key principles are Content, Communication, Cognition, and Culture.

What does the 'Content' principle in CLIL focus on?

The 'Content' principle focuses on determining the subjects or topics that will be taught in the lesson.

How does the 'Communication' principle affect CLIL lessons?

The 'Communication' principle focuses on the language skills required to actively participate in and benefit from the lesson.

What cognitive skills are necessary for a CLIL lesson?

Cognitive skills in CLIL help students engage with both the content and the language, and are essential for understanding and applying knowledge effectively.

Why is culture important in the CLIL framework?

Culture is important because it helps students understand the social and cultural context of both the language and the subject being taught.

What are the main benefits of implementing CLIL in education?

The benefits include improved foreign language proficiency, better subject knowledge, cognitive and social skill development, and greater cultural awareness.

Why is CLIL especially useful in vocational education?

CLIL is particularly useful in vocational education as it helps students develop communication skills for multilingual work environments and acquire knowledge relevant to international employment opportunities.