2. Common Questions
What is CLIL?
How does CLIL benefit learners?
What are the underlying principles of
CLIL?
What’s different about CLIL lessons?
How do I become a CLIL teacher?
Are there any available resources?
Where can I find out more?
Steve Darn 2
4. What is CLIL?
CLIL refers to any educational context in
which an additional language, not the
first language of the learners, is used as a
medium in the teaching and learning of
non-language content. Derived from the
notion of ‘Language Across the
Curriculum’
Steve Darn 4
5. Why CLIL?
Successful language learning can be achieved
when people have the opportunity to experience
real-life situations in which they can acquire the
language.
CLIL is a more natural situation for language
development which builds on other forms of
learning. This natural use of language can
enhance a learner’s motivation towards learning
languages. This naturalness is crucial for CLIL’s
importance and success in relation to both
language and other subject learning.
Steve Darn 5
7. Research Foundations
It takes 5-7 years for students in a quality bilingual
program to become academically proficient in English.
Language acquisition is not a linear process; it is
cyclical and recursive.
Learners acquire best when they create, discover and
construct their own meanings.
Language is a means not an end, and when learners are
interested in a topic, they will be motivated to acquire
language to communicate.
Semantic fluency precedes grammatical accuracy and
errors are a natural part of language learning.
Learners develop fluency in English by using English to
communicate for a variety of purposes.
Reading is essential for developing academic English
skills.
Steve Darn 7
8. CLIL Principles
CONTENT
Progression in knowledge, skills and understanding
related to specific elements of a defined curriculum.
COMMUNICATION
Using language to learn - whilst learning to use
language.
COGNITION
Developing thinking skills which link concept
formation, understanding and language
CULTURE
Exposure to alternative perspectives and shared
understandings.
Steve Darn 8
9. Further Information
The CLIL Compendium
www.clilcompendium.com
Euroclic
www.euroclic.net
Translanguage in Europe
www.tieclil.org
UK National Centre for languages
www.cilt.org.uk
NILE
www.nile-elt.com
FACT
www.factworld.info/uk
Steve Darn 9
10. Further Information
The CLIL Compendium
www.clilcompendium.com
Euroclic
www.euroclic.net
Translanguage in Europe
www.tieclil.org
UK National Centre for languages
www.cilt.org.uk
NILE
www.nile-elt.com
FACT
www.factworld.info/uk
Steve Darn 9