Content and language integrated learning (CLIL) means using a foreign language as the medium of instruction to teach non-language subjects. It aims to teach content and language simultaneously through collaborative and participative teaching methods. Some benefits of CLIL include making language learning more attractive and functional when using the language to acquire information. It also promotes cognitive flexibility, intercultural understanding, and the development of communication strategies. For content teachers, it requires changing from a lecturing style to acting as a facilitator who trains learners through discovery-based tasks and a focus on oral fluency.

1. CONTENT AND LANGUAGE INTEGRATED LEARNING CLIL

2. Let´s discuss… 1. What does “content and language integrated learning” mean? 2. What type of curricular design? 3. Methodological aspects: what’s the role of language and content teachers?

3. Basics of CLIL The foreign language is used as a vehicle for accessing information. The foreign language is used for instruction and communication. Learning the language and learning content are part of the same process. Development of cognitive flexibility and reflection upon the linguistic and communicative functioning of both languages is key.

4. Benefits The learning of a foreign language is seen as more attractive when we use linguistic resources that offer a means of acquiring information. Metalinguistic and intellectual improvement: students are forced to use a greater variety of communication strategies. Emphasis on the creative use of the language provides stimulation in the learning process.

5. CLIL increases of quantity and quality of exposition to the L2. Learning the language becomes more functional and communicative in a CLIL context

7. CLIL encourages teachers to use a ‘learning by doing’ approach, as well as developing Multiple Intelligences.

8. The intercultural connection: language use develops positive attitudes towards other languages, people and cultures.

9. CHANGES IN METHODOLOGY FOR CONTENT TEACHERS

10. Change from lecturing to participative classes: it is not teaching “things” with another language but teaching to understand, manipulate and use: from lecturer to facilitator . Put emphasis on collaborative/cooperative work

11. Train learners to discover: tasks which promote noticing. Focus on fluency activities and on the oral aspect of the language.

12. Change the perception of the foreign language: from a subject to a tool .

13. Professional blog: http://primaryenglishteaching.blogspot.com Graciela Bilat