Exploring the Implementation of CLIL in an EFL Virtual Learning Environment

Content and language integrated learning (CLIL) has emerged as one of the major educational trends in the European Union. It is an innovative approach which refers to educational settings where a language other than the learners’ mother tongue is used as the medium of instruction. For many years the methodological aspects of CLIL were neglected. The CLIL classroom looked like a traditional teacher-centred language or content subject classroom but the content of the content subject replaced the traditional content of the language classroom (Marsh 2001, p. 32). The situation has changed in recent years and CLIL-specific methodology is being developed. The paper provides an outline of CLIL methodology starting with a brief outline of the phenomenon of CLIL. Additionally, the importance of teaching materials in a CLIL classroom will be discussed. All the data presented is based on CLIL classroom observations in Poland as well as on interviews conducted with CLIL teachers. Finally, problems concerning CLIL methodology are discussed and specific solutions are provided.

Many studies show positive correlations between content and language integrated learning (CLIL) and the learning of English as a foreign language. However, findings from CLIL research in Sweden do not match those obtained elsewhere. The aim of this article is to show that some explanations for discrepancies in results obtained across CLIL contexts in Europe may be found in nation-specific contextual factors. Four such factors are focused on: policy framework, teacher education, age of implementation, and extramural exposure to English. The article gives an overview of these factors in four European countries: Finland, Germany, Spain, and Sweden. A coordinate system is created using four quadrants: the policy framework factor is paired with amount of research; the age factor is combined with amount of CLIL; the teacher education factor includes pre-service and in-service programs; and extramural English is considered in amount and range. From this coordinate system, nation-specific CLIL profiles emerge. It is argued that such national profiles will serve as an essential theoretical point of departure for comparisons of research results across nations. Furthermore, the profiles will facilitate policy-level discussions on CLIL implementation in individual countries.

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is an educational approach in which the target language is used as the medium to learn and teach both content and language. The widespread interest in CLIL can be seen in the increasing popularity of adopting it as a viable approach to promoting both content and language learning in Europe (Garcia, 2017; Ioannou Georgiou, 2012) and many English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) countries, for instance- Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam (Lee & Chang, 2008).In this paper, we show how informational picture books are quality CLIL materials. The engaging narrative writing and meaningful illustrations in such books convey accessible factual and content knowledge, an important feature in line with CLIL-related goals. The powerful text-illustration synergy in picture books provides a supportive platform upon which to develop learners' language skills as well as to expand subject knowledge. Next, informed by CLIL theories and practices, a CLIL pedagogical framework is proposed to provide a simplified representation of the complexity and scope of the CLIL instructional sequences and content. The framework strives to achieve a balance between the content and language components in CLIL lessons. Based on the framework, a sample CLIL lesson is provided with instructional examples of how teachers could incorporate an informational picture book into their lessons to scaffold students' development of language, content knowledge, and learning skills. It is hoped that the framework and activities presented will encourage primary subject and language teachers in Taiwan and serve as a springboard for them to incorporate informational picture books in their CLIL lessons.

Relevance. Intellectual fashion plays an important role in determining the principles of organizing cognitive space in the practice of teaching the younger generation. The problem of choosing a cognitive strategy is key to the implementation of personal development within the framework of any educational model. A critical analysis of popular cognitive strategies enjoying increased attention from the scientific community is relevant, since the adherence of researchers to pedagogical fashion distracts methodologists from solving truly significant problems. The purpose of the study is a critical assessment of two phenomena of pedagogical fashion: the “flipped classroom” and content and language integrated learning (CLIL). Research methods. Based on a theoretical analysis of scientific literature and systematization of existing methodological concepts, the correct methodological conditions for the implementation of these pedagogical strategies in a modern university are identified and justified. Research results. It has been revealed that the name “flipped classroom” referring to the popular model of advanced independent students’ work is terminologically incompatible with the formal style of Russian scientific discourse. The idea that the effective use of modern digital resources in the university educational process should be associated only with this model is also subject to critical rethinking. The CLIL methodology used in teaching foreign languages should provide a dual focus in teaching, combining simultaneous mastery of both the subject and a foreign language within one basic discipline. Many CLIL proponents consider it a central phenomenon in teaching foreign languages, but consider it superficially, ignoring the differences between the methodologies of CLIL vs ESP (English for Specific Purposes) as well as CLIL vs EMI (English as Medium of Instruction). Conclusions. It is more correct to consider the “flipped classroom” strategy as advanced independent students’ work or reverse learning as a form of blended learning. The review of Russian studies devoted to CLIL allows us to negatively assess the CLIL centralization trend without proper taking into account its differences from the ESP and EMI methodologies.

The intent of this preliminary research was to gain insights into the implementation of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) in The Canary Islands Autonomous Community, where since 2004-2005 many primary and secondary schools have been gradually adopting this methodology in the classroom. Hardly any research has focused attention on this context. This study attempts to fills this void in the literature by examining three different issues. Firstly, CLIL learners� performance in the English test in the University Admission Examination was compared with the performance of their non-CLIL counterparts; secondly, the variety of content-subjects taught through the medium of English was examined; and finally, attention was centered on the number of academic courses with any CLIL subject that the participants in the study had had. First year university learners from three different degrees who had been enrolled in English as a foreign language instruction (EFL) and CLIL completed a questionnaire designed ad hoc. These learners belonged to the first and second generation of CLIL instruction. The data gathered corroborate previous findings and identify some of the features of CLIL instruction in its first decade of existence in this region. The chapter concludes with several implications for research and practice.

European policies mandate encouraging plurilingualism in a digitally enhanced world. This mandate is placing increased demands on higher educational practitioners and institutions to prepare today’s learners with new linguistic skills. Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) policy appears to resonate strongly with European aspirations and goals of educating citizens and promoting lingual diversity, pluriculturism, and mobility within the European Union. Whilst offering a potential solution through the interweaving of content and language in a dual-focused educational approach, CLIL is at risk of becoming a ‘buzz word’ without evidence-based research on emerging CLIL practices. This paper suggests a framework for practice-based research in the initial steps of CLIL implementation into HE curriculum and considers expansive learning theory as a theoretical and analytical framework to advance knowledge creation. The deliberate construction of a transciplinary networked learning community is advanced as the outcome and vehicle as the first initiative for CLIL implementation. The partnering and convergence of the knowledge expertise of language experts and subject experts in collaborative reflective practice enhances networked learning within and beyond the institutional boundaries, professional development and learner multiliteracies, including languages, culture, content and digital media. The context for this study is within tertiary architectural education in France where students study architecture in the first language, French, and Language and Communication Skills in the additional language of English as a separate discipline. This lack of convergence appears at odds with the emerging trend and evolution of transdisiplinarity in architectural education and practice where academia and associated professions of architecture, design and engineering increasingly teach, practice and research collaboratively. This desk-based research first examines the significance of CLIL in the European context, its variants, along with the challenges and drawbacks in crossing disciplinary boundaries. The implications for language and disciplinary practitioners and their role are discussed. Transdisciplinary collaborative work, teaching and learning can bridge language and knowledge barriers between the different disciplines in and through the fusion of language learning of, for, and through the languages of architectural practice and content, leading to innovation in curriculum development. Relational agency, in other words calling on the capacity of individuals to jointly work and learn with other practitioners, pedagogies, theories and resources distributed within institutional settings, given that a supportive learning community is possible, can lead to enhanced professional agency, in other words the capacity to act effectively informed by appropriate professional knowledge.. This paper concludes that further research is needed on relational agency within collective activities, such as networked learning communities to advance CLIL implementation.

The characterisation of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) has recently come to the forefront and acquired a new significance. Both their conceptualisation and pedagogical implementation have of late started to be questioned and are considered as excessively vague and ambiguous, since CLIL is held to encompass too broad an array of possible programme alternatives, thus making its exact limits very difficult to pin down. Thus, we need to characterise representative CLIL practices and to know exactly what it looks like in practice. This chapter reports on the outcomes of two governmentally funded R&D projects (FFI2012-32221 and P12-HUM-2348), within which an observation protocol has been designed, validated, and applied in 53 public, private, and charter schools in 12 provinces belonging to Andalusia, the Canary Islands, and Extremadura. English as a Foreign Language and Non-Linguistic Area subjects taught in English with a CLIL methodology have been observed and the linguistic, methodological, and organisational traits of CLIL are here described with a representative sample in the provinces of Jaen and Granada vis-a-vis the seven main fields of interest which have been canvassed: foreign language use in class, discursive functions, competence development, methodology and types of groupings, materials and resources, coordination and organisation, and evaluation. The results allow us to paint a clearer picture of what CLIL looks like at the grassroots level and to thereby make headway in characterising representative pedagogical CLIL practices which will hopefully contribute to honing and fine-tuning its characterisation.

Tourist Guiding is a compulsory subject that aims to prepare students to be a prospective Tour Guide (TG) with excellent English mastery, especially speaking. Two-year observation showed that the students have the low ability in speaking skills. They did not speak fluently because they lacked knowledge and vocabulary in tourist guiding. This study was a Classroom Action Research (CAR) which was carried out by implementing Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), as a dual-educational approach that uses additional languages to learn and teach both content and language, in an online Tourist Guiding class. Participated by 28 students, this research followed stages of CAR. Additionally, pre-test and post-test were conducted to investigate students’ different performances before and after CLIL was implemented, while questionnaires were distributed to obtain the data about the students’ voices about CLIL implementation. The findings revealed that the quality of teaching and learning in the Tourist Guiding class improved after the implementation of CLIL. In addition, CLIL could enhance both students’ language skills (especially speaking) and tourist guiding competency. Teachers should both understand the subject content very well and have a very good mastery of English so that CLIL can be implemented successfully.

This research is a systematic review of the implementation of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) in language learning across various educational levels from 2018-2023. The method used is a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), analyzing 29 relevant studies identified from an initial 163 articles. The results show that CLIL implementation has been carried out in various countries, with a primary focus on primary, secondary, and tertiary education levels. At the primary school level, studies mostly examined text writing skills and student motivation. At the secondary level, research focused on vocabulary development, application of pedagogical content knowledge, and teachers' perspectives on bilingual programs. Meanwhile, at the tertiary level, studies explored the development of creativity, self-concept, and the integration of ESP in CLIL. Overall, the results indicate that CLIL has a positive impact on students' language abilities and content mastery, but there are still challenges in its implementation, such as the need for teacher support and clear learning objective setting. This study concludes that adequate implementation strategies are necessary to integrate multilingualism in education, considering sufficient support for teachers and specific learning goals for students.

As a result of globalization, the world is constantly changing, people are overwhelmed with information and English is the language that typically serves as lingua franca to learn new content. In recent years, as a direct response to these changes, CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) may be considered the approach in charge of providing suitable answers despite its possible limitations. Innovations, changes, students´ needs, new resources, meaningful content and a communicative perspective are involved in CLIL, a profitable and valuable means to teaching English as a Foreign Language. The main purpose of this work is to encourage EFL teachers to implement this approach, in spite of its constraints. Now the challenge seems to be finding out how this approach will lead us towards the achievement our goal. Keywords: CLIL drawbacks, CLIL implementation, EFL teaching contexts

This study examines the implementation of the Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) approach in English language education, focusing on its effectiveness in enhancing both language proficiency and content comprehension. CLIL, which combines subject matter with language instruction, provides a dual-focused educational framework that supports the development of academic content knowledge while improving language skills. Key aspects of CLIL highlighted in this research include the integration of content and language, the necessity of teacher training and professional development, and the impact on student engagement and learning outcomes. The findings suggest that while CLIL offers significant benefits, such as increased student motivation and improved language skills, it also presents challenges, particularly related to teacher preparedness and resource development. Addressing these challenges through targeted professional development and appropriate resource allocation is essential for the successful implementation of CLIL. The study concludes that CLIL is a promising approach for enhancing English language learning, provided that its implementation is carefully managed and adequately supported.

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is an educational approach that simultaneously teaches a non-language subject and a foreign language, enhancing both content knowledge and language skills. Originating in Europe, CLIL focuses on the 4Cs: content, communication, cognition, and culture, ensuring balanced subject matter and language proficiency. CLIL is distinct from bilingual or immersion education by its integrated approach. The Council of Europe supports CLIL to promote multilingualism and improve curricula quality. This study aims to analyze the foreign experience with CLIL, explore its didactic potential, and evaluate its implementation prospects in Ukraine. CLIL is characterized by integrating subject content with language learning, fostering language development through meaningful contexts, and enhancing cognitive skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. It also promotes cultural awareness and can be adapted to various educational contexts and proficiency levels. It has been defined that effective CLIL implementation requires trained teachers and appropriate materials. The methodology has spread across Europe, with various models tailored to different educational contexts. The Adjunct Model integrates language learning with subject teaching, the Embedded Model fully integrates language and content, and the Dual-Focus Model balances content and language objectives. Successful examples include bilingual schools in Hungary and long-standing practices in Bulgaria. The advantages of CLIL’s implementation have been defined. They include increased motivation, contextual language learning, preparation for a globalized world, and enhanced language proficiency. It also promotes content knowledge alongside language skills, offers international opportunities, and bridges language and content classes. However, challenges include the need for trained teachers, balancing content and language instruction, resource limitations, and large class sizes. Overcoming these challenges involves professional development, collaboration, material development, gradual integration, and using technology. The conclusion has been formulated that CLIL enhances language skills and subject knowledge, transforming educational approaches and improving learning outcomes.

This chapter articulates its reflection on content and language integrated learning (CLIL) methodology in Italian primary schools from a pedagogical-linguistic perspective, emphasising its educational potential for the personal growth of children. Moving between teacher training and didactic action in the classroom, it will highlight how CLIL is useful in making students citizens capable of acting in the globalal world as people in possession of linguistic, cognitive, metacognitive, and emotional tools for analysing reality. An example of a teaching project using CLIL methodology will be proposed to anchor theoretical reflection to educational practice.

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) has been adopted by many nations as a methodology to reach bilingualism. Nonetheless, the implementation of CLIL in Colombia goes beyond teaching a core area in English. It implies a long process, including multiple factors to achieve success. This article presents a general background of the process of bilingualism in Colombia and how different kinds of institutions approach this governmental policy through a critical reflection. The paper presents the challenges when adopting Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) as a strategy to achieve bilingualism. Four key aspects are described to reach the goal of having a bilingual territory: language learning approach, teacher training, development of materials, and cultural and intercultural competence. It is argued that bilingualism may be achieved in the long term by addressing these four aspects when implementing CLIL.

This article substantiates the relevance of multilingual education in alignment with Kyrgyzstan’s national development strategies, which emphasize preparing citizens proficient in multiple languages. The study examines the potential of the Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) methodology as an effective approach to achieving these national objectives. The main purpose of this research is to explore the theoretical foundations and practical benefits of CLIL in a multilingual educational environment and to develop recommendations for training future teachers. An action research design was implemented in three cycles, each comprising planning, action, observation, and reflection stages. The participants were students from Jalal-Abad State University, and their language development was monitored throughout the study. The findings demonstrated a notable improvement in Russian language proficiency following the implementation of CLIL and extracurricular language activities: the proportion of students achieving level B1 increased by 14%, and level A1 by 19%. The third measurement confirmed that 38.4% of students reached level A2 and 50% level A1. Overall, the CLIL methodology proved to be a promising and practical tool for improving linguistic, cognitive, and professional competencies, supporting the preparation of competitive specialists for multilingual and international educational contexts