Content and language integrated learning

Content and language integrated learning (CLIL)^[1][2] is a term created in 1994 by David Marsh and Anne Maljers as synonymous of language immersion or content-based instruction. It's an approach for learning content through an additional language (foreign or second), thus teaching both the subject and the language. The idea of its proponents was to create an "umbrella term" which encompasses different forms of using language as medium of instruction^[3].

CLIL is fundamentally based on methodological principles established by research on "language immersion". This kind of approach has been identified as very important by the European Commission ^[4] because:"It can provide effective opportunities for pupils to use their new language skills now, rather than learn them now for use later. It opens doors on languages for a broader range of learners, nurturing self-confidence in young learners and those who have not responded well to formal language instruction in general education. It provides exposure to the language without requiring extra time in the curriculum, which can be of particular interest in vocational settings." The European Commission has therefore decided to promote the training of teachers to "..enhancing the language competences in general, in order to promote the teaching of non-linguistic subjects in foreign languages".^[5][6]

See also

• Language immersion
• Bilingual education
• Content-based instruction

References

1. ^ British Council BBC Teaching English
2. ^ http://ec.europa.eu/education/languages/language-teaching/doc236_en.htm
3. ^ http://www.onestopenglish.com/section.asp?catid=100294&docid=501038
4. ^ Commission Of The European Communities Promoting Language Learning and Linguistic Diversity: An Action Plan 2004 – 2006
5. ^ Journal of the European Union Council Resolution of 21 November 2008 on a European strategy for multilingualism
6. ^ An educational project called ECLIL was also supported from the European Union within the Lifelong Learning Programme EACEA Agency, to develop interactive resources for European schools.

External links

• European commission CLIL site
• ECLIL website