Content and language integrated learning
Content and language integrated learning (CLIL)[1] is a term created in 1994 by David Marsh[2] as a methodology similar to but distinct from language immersion and content-based instruction. It is 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 the medium of instruction.[3] The methodology has been applied in a business context in many countries and widely accepted as an effective approach; in Italy for instance, it is being used as an accelerated method to teach management concepts in English to business people and one of its proponents and practitioners is Dr Maurizio Morselli, a Human Resources professional and Executive Coach, who believes that "this hybrid immersion approach produces a lot more immediate results and it appeals to self-motivated adult audiences who possess a basic knowledge and understanding of the target language".
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." This approach involves learning subjects such as history, geography, managerial skills/concepts or others, through an additional language. It can be very successful in enhancing the learning of languages and other subjects, and helping children develop a positive attitude towards themselves as language learners.
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
References
- ^ British Council BBC Teaching English
- ^ David Marsh
- ^ "What is CLIL?". Onestopenglish. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
- ^ Commission Of The European Communities Promoting Language Learning and Linguistic Diversity: An Action Plan 2004 – 2006
- ^ Journal of the European Union Council Resolution of 21 November 2008 on a European strategy for multilingualism
- ^ 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.