Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL): A Complete Guide
Content and language integrated learning (CLIL) is a method in which the student is taught different subjects in their target language. It’s a technique mostly used in schools and classrooms rather than by those who learn a language by themselves at home.
Many families are bilingual today, and globalization has steadily increased the demand for people who can speak more than one language. As a result, we see CLIL being used more and more in both the EU and the US.
Here’s all you need to know.
What is content and language integrated learning (CLIL)
Content and language integrated learning (CLIL) is an approach where a topic unrelated to language is taught using the target language. This means that the student learns both the additional language and the topic(s) at hand.
In traditional language classes, we tend to practice and repeat specific areas of the target language one at a time, such as reading or writing.
The benefit of CLIL is that reading, writing, speaking, and listening are integrated naturally into the lesson. The student reads to acquire new information about a topic rather than reading to learn a language.
The student learns in the language and not about the language.
You may recognize the above sentence. If you do, it’s most likely because you have read or know of the language immersion method – which is the core principle of CLIL.
Practical approach
Let’s say your child speaks Spanish and attends a school incorporating CLIL for English.
Every subject, or most, is taught in English. The textbooks are in English, and the teachers teach using the English language. When the child communicates with his or her peers in the classroom, it is in English.
In other words, language is integrated into the curriculum.
Integrating language learning with the content of a subject rather than making it the sole focus provides the student with a dynamic and immersive educational experience. It gives the student both the necessary language skills and subject knowledge to proceed in academia.
The benefits
Content and language integrated learning is a great way to become bilingual, as well as to acquire the necessary knowledge and meet the criteria to continue one’s academic pursuits.
Here are some benefits of CLIL.
Enhanced language proficiency
Rather than learning through memorization and repetition, the student acquires language through natural immersion and different contexts.
Reading history, learning science, discussing religion, and writing tests about news-related topics expose the student to the language in various contexts. It gives the student a natural understanding of the language and its different usages rather than just repeating phrases that (might be) out of context.
In CLIL, students naturally improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
Subject knowledge
A common worry among parents is that their children will fall behind academically if they take up language studies. This is a justified concern.
However, CLIL is designed to teach and follow the curriculum in most, if not all, subjects. This ensures that the student doesn’t lose out on their education, nor should it hinder their academic career.
It’s important to note that not all schools teach content and language integrated learning the same way. Thus, it’s essential to investigate and understand how CLIL is being taught in the specific school you or your children might attend.
Increased motivation and engagement
Not everyone loves the process of learning a new language. Even though I speak several languages, I am one of those people. Repeating phrases and studying grammar isn’t the most exciting thing in the world.
Learning a language by studying a specific subject or topic can feel much more engaging and purposeful to the student.
If the student enjoys history, learning about historical events through the target language could make studying much more fun and motivating. Learning a language through exciting and relevant content can boost student’s motivation and engagement significantly.
The challenges
While there are several benefits to CLIL, there are still some disadvantages to be aware of.
Language barrier
Students may struggle with the content if their proficiency in the target language isn’t sufficient.
It’s crucial that the teacher adapts a language level that aligns with the student(s). If the subject is taught in a language the student can’t comprehend, it can lead to frustration and lack of motivation.
Cognitive Load
Learning complex subject matter in a foreign language can increase cognitive load, making it more challenging for students to grasp both the content and the language.
The risk is that students must catch up in the target language and their overall academic performance.
Teacher proficiency
Teachers need to be proficient in both the subject matter and the target language. It’s important that they can efficiently adapt and shape the curriculum to suit the student(s) language proficiency.
In bigger classes, this could be a challenge, as not all students will have the same language level.
It is essential that the teacher have the resources and knowledge to successfully teach the student both the language and subject at hand.
Who is content and language integrated learning for
Content and language integrated learning is quite a specific method that is more suitable for some than others. Here are our general guidelines:
It can be great for:
- Bilingual or multilingual students who want to develop their proficiency without compensating with their academic performance.
- People who find traditional language classes tedious and boring.
- Those who plan to study or work in the field that is being taught.
It’s not ideal for:
- Students whose proficiency in the target language is significantly below the level required to understand complex subject matter.
- Students who only want to learn a language and not other subjects.
- People prefer to focus on one thing. The cognitive demands of simultaneously learning a language and a subject can be challenging.