CLIL - Introduction for teachers - Part 1

Content Integrated Language Learning (KLIL) combines language learning with another subject, making it easier and more enjoyable. It helps students learn a second language by using it in a subject they are interested in, like science or literature. KLIL provides benefits such as improved context, authenticity, multidisciplinary learning, and fun engagement. It strengthens cognitive reasoning abilities and reinforces curricular goals. Educators need high-quality resources and should focus on creating innovative and diverse materials. Examples of KLIL include studying science fiction literature and using history to acquire a second language. KLIL is a great way to learn a new language in an interactive and communicative setting. Introducing Klil. Welcome to our first Klil podcast. Today we're talking about something that's becoming a popular trend in language learning and teaching. Content Integrated Language Learning or KLIL as it is commonly known. This type of learning is all about combining language with another subject matter, making it easier and more fun to learn a new language. Language learning can be tough. You have to navigate different grammar rules, vocabulary lists and much more. But what if there was an easier way? Well, there is. By incorporating interesting topics into the mix, you can make the process of learning a new language much more engaging. So let's dive deeper into this concept and explore how a content integrated approach could help improve your language skills. Firstly, let us take a look at what exactly is content integrated language learning. KLIL combines the two subject areas by integrating content from one curriculum area into the other to support the subject's specific goals and develop second language proficiency. Essentially, students get to learn the second language by using it within another area of study they are interested in. For example, science or literature. Implementing this method provides students with numerous benefits over traditional teaching methods. Here are some advantages that are associated with KLIL. A powerful tool for improved context. Traditional classroom methods focus purely on teaching grammar rules and memorising vocabulary items, often without any context. A student learns things independently as separate entities rather than merging them for better understanding through context integration. However, integrating content and enhanced KLIL creates an enriched environment for learners since students can relate their linguistic knowledge while analysing academic concepts related to physics, chemistry or mathematics. Problems in their studying class vary in theories otherwise difficult to understand. Aspects become easily digestible due to their practical side which facilitates various comprehension strategies enabling memory retention at its best. Authenticity and relevance. While traditional language teaching methods provide exercises disconnected from real-life scenarios, KLIL provides its learners with opportunities from problem-solving, critical thinking and challenge-taking. It increases the connection between the target language and its real use, which is one of its greatest advantages since students can directly experience authentic communicative situations. Event events such as an academic communication task. Multidisciplinary approach at reach. As KLIL incorporates two different subject areas in tandem, learners can create a system approach to their understanding by seeing how one topic connects with another area of study, facilitating deep learning processes. This sort of cross-discipline learning not only improves their command over an additional language but also provides them with added access to a wider range of educational concepts and materials. Fun and engaging learning. Last but not least is probably the best aspect of content-integrated language learning. It makes language studying enjoyable with vast areas of resources available online. Educators can easily create exciting lessons, integrating proficiency-building practices like writing skills within subjects such as literature or speaking skills, integrated communication topics related to science, enhancing students' analytical thinking while making foreign languages fun and enjoyable. So now that we know what content-language-integrated learning means and have understood why it's useful, let us move on to how does KLIL work. The main idea behind content-language-integrated learning is that when two subjects are placed together, they reinforce each other, creating a strong connection, strengthening cognitive reasoning abilities. For example, would having science-based curriculum objectives taught in English language alongside key lesson plans for chemistry, thereby reinforcing scientific reasoning, effectively enhancing curricular goals based on both analytical equipment knowledge expansion along with reinforcing second language acquisition. Importantly, it's essential that an accurate match is made between two subjects according to student ages, capability level, retention time required between lessons, subject balance, differentiation. Otherwise, efficiency could be compromised, leaving students overwhelmed rather than intrigued into their studies' process flow. This method demands a lot from educators. Thus, materials need to meet high standards, matching student interest levels, providing resources, reach, depth, structure, and curriculum support without overwhelming the students' mental capabilities. This brings us to the next important question. What resources do educators need to use to meet all these standards? Well, the truth is there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. As different educators have different teaching styles, students require varied support techniques, it's best for educators who want to incorporate CLIL into their teaching style focus on creating a more innovative, diverse collection of resources. Audiovisual aids like podcasts or videos can aid language learners in making direct connections between subjects while improving their skills with using visual and auditory methods aiming at solidifying both written and oral articulation in the second language through connecting several cross-disciplinary subject matter topics. Additionally, starting off with basic books and articles and websites solely focused on activities within the target language will provide excellent reinforcement techniques. So now let's take a look at some examples of content-language integrated learning. For example, science fiction literature. High school English literature students study science fiction novels written in the 20th century versus reading them purely for entertainment purposes, examining various themes such as time travel, social commentaries, future inventions, exploring scientific fields highlighting important issues related to gender rights, incorporating scientific key terminology alongside contextual knowledge. Teachers ensure students can identify essential elements reflected through their targeted reading list, building skills for better-rounded, sustainable, subject-related English development. Example 2. History in second language acquisition. Methodology applied here allows learners acquiring Spanish, French, Portuguese, or any other Romance language separately, achieving comprehension fluency and communication skill acquisition through proper guidance use, process analysis, portrayed by learning historical aspects of civilizations such as Spain, Portugal, France. Here learners learn about Roman occupation, Roman influence under Julius Caesar, enhancing comprehension grammatical knowledge while increasing proficiency scores, intricately combined impressive gains in terms of overall student cognitive development. Also enhancing receptive, productive language skills simultaneously, strengthening critical thinking abilities as well. Well, there you have it. We've covered content language integrated learning and how it works. By incorporating interesting topics into domains, language learners can make process of learning a new language much more engaging, fun, and worthwhile. I hope that this podcast helps you to see why content language integrated learning is a great way to learn a new language and an interactive setting will involve also more communication and stimulate memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules. Hope to see you in the next podcast where we try to focus on this specific role of the teacher in the content language integrated learning procedures. This podcast was delivered to you by Maciej Brutowski from KLIL Polska. Thank you.