Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is a pedagogical approach which integrates the curriculum content with the teaching of additional languages.

• Using CLIL methodologies, majority and minority language learning can be combined with new curriculum content learning.
• CLIL can be more effective in achieving language outcomes than language teaching by itself and can form the basis to create multilingual classrooms without any negative impact on the L1.
• In designing CLIL tasks consideration needs to be given to both the content and the language learning elements. It is vital that teachers understand not only what content and language is being integrated, but how integration is unfolding.
• In CLIL lessons teachers need to ensure that the exposure to the target language is carefully planned,  challenging yet accessible, using meaning-focussed and form-focussed  processing. Students should be encouraged to use the target language, using compensation strategies if required.
• Clear communication with parents and the wider school community, and support and commitment from within the school, is crucial for implementing CLIL approach.

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