David Marsh Interactive Seminar: "The Added Value of CLIL in Enhancing Educational Outcomes" (CEP de Córdoba, 15th november, 2012)

1. Benefits of Bilingualism
Insights from the Neurosciences

2. Loaded Words: Bilingual
An individual able to use two or more languages
to a greater or lesser extent.

3. Research
Research conducted in largely non-laboratory contexts
(outside brain), and through anecdotal reporting, is at a
cross roads with research conducted in laboratory settings
(inside brain).
There are sets of indicators which form evidence clusters.
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4. The clusters suggest that individuals knowing different languages
can extend creative conceptual boundaries more effectively than
monolingual individuals

5. Key Emerging Concept
Neuroplasticity

6. Neuro-circuitry
Language Learning affects the neuro-circuitry of the brain
and can have a profound impact on brain structures through
neuroplasticity.
Changes in the brain’s electrical activity may occur much
earlier than previously thought.

7. Languages & Experience
1st
2nd
language
Language
Early 2nd Language Adolescent Adult
Source: Simos et al. Journal of Neurosurgery 95

8. Added Value

9. Memory
Superior functioning in relation to episodic and semantic memory
Episodic memory describes the memory of events linked to episodes (times,
places, feelings, and other phenomenon which can be explicitly stated).
Semantic memory describes more general knowledge which, though
unrelated to specific experiences or events, is used to help interpret these.
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10. Learning across the Curriculumin
Any enhanced memory function has bearing on the
learning of other subjects in the education curriculum,
and on learning in general
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11. Problem-solving
Better in problem-solving that is cognitively demanding

12. Perception & Thinking Skills
Seeing the world through different lenses

13. Filtering information
Being able to interpret information and solve problems involves
not only deciding what to give attention to, but also what not to
give attention to.
Inhibitory control acts like a filter which enables a person to
ignore distracting and irrelevant stimuli.

14. Interpreting
Information
Understanding that words can have more than one
meaning, identifying ambiguity and sub-text in communication,
translating words and interpreting concepts.

15. Digital Literacy
Living in an age of widespread information and
communication, and emerging literacies

16. Interpersonal Skills
Impact reported in terms of understanding and responding
to the communicative needs of others; contextual sensitivity;
interactional competence in communication; and enhanced
skills in differentiating languages in contextually sensitive ways.

17. Ageing Mind

18. Implications
Dual Language Education
Schools within Schools

19. Methodologies
Teaching in English
Teaching through English

20. Thank you!
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