Page 29 - ELG2109 Sep Issue 477

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A dual

A dual

approach

appr
oach

to lear ning
to learning

The field of bilingual education encompasses many approaches, but the
Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) method, already widely
used in Europe, has been growing in popularity around the world

he term CLIL is relatively new – They are able to gain a deeper understanding As Anna Hearrell, Bridge Product
education experts David Marsh of the target language as they form links in Manager, explains, “After attending
and Do Coyle coined it in the their minds between their first language and many international ELT conferences
Tmid-1990s – but the technique is as the content, fostering metalinguistic skills. and discussing trends with schools and
old as learning itself. The approach became Students are also able to take their educators worldwide, we realised that
more formalised in the 1960s in language comprehension of content subjects further, as bilingual programmes like CLIL were being
immersion programmes in Canada, and with key concepts taught in the subject classroom implemented, but with no real training
languages across the curriculum programmes are reinforced in the language classroom. or methodology in place. Practical and
in the UK and the US. accessible CLIL training simply wasn’t
Broadly speaking, CLIL programmes aim How does having a CLIL certificate available to those who needed it.”
to increase students’ subject-area proficiency benefit teachers? Bridge developed its innovative, 120-hour,
while at the same time improving their Until recently, the concept of CLIL was online Specialized Certificate in Content and
knowledge of the target language, often largely limited to the realm of academia, Language Integrated Learning programme in
English. In the CLIL method, content rather than in the hands of everyday teachers. 2021. The accredited, two-course training
teachers (who might teach music or biology, CLIL certification changes this by distilling is available for both individual teachers as
for example)teach in the target language. the complex ideas and jargon from textbooks well as groups of teachers, administrators and
What sets the CLIL method apart from and journal articles into practical knowledge other stakeholders.
similar approaches is that the students’ and hands-on skills teachers can use. In the first course, Foundational CLIL
first language is embraced, rather than CLIL certification creates opportunities Methodology, trainees learn the principles
discouraged. In fact, the hallmark ‘5 Cs’ of this for teachers in Kindergarten to 12th-grade of CLIL and key research behind the
approach are communication, community/ schools and other educational settings where method. In the second course, Advanced
culture, competence and cognition. they can support the institute’s greater CLIL CLIL Methodology, trainees get a higher-
initiative. Their knowledge of CLIL and their level understanding of CLIL applications,
How is CLIL methodology used in certification can lead to career advancement including subject scope, lesson planning
teaching English? and the higher salary that comes with it. and course content design. The programme
It’s this meaningful interaction with the includes a series of instructional videos
content for communication and community- How does using the CLIL approach produced by CLIL experts Dr Donna Fields
building that makes the CLIL method effective benefit a school? and Dr Peeter Mehisto on essential CLIL
for teaching English. Students are able to CLIL methodology, which is applicable in topics, such as institutional cooperation,
see immediate, real-world applications of the primary and secondary schools, vocational scaffolding, student-centred learning and
language, taking English learning out of a schools, colleges and universities, can help higher-order thinking skills.
vacuum and making it practical, even essential. organisations reach goals such as: The interactive training also includes
Since content teachers are not normally videos of teachers implementing CLIL
experts in language instruction, they require • Meeting local or national bilingual methods, practice activities, written
training in this area and, in most cases, they mandates. assignments with tutor feedback and peer
also depend on the support of the English • Gaining an understanding of CLIL discussion boards.
teacher. In turn, the English teacher supports methodology necessary for institution-wide The CLIL method can seem complex,
the content teacher by introducing relevant adoption. but with the right training and collaboration
vocabulary and functional language related • Setting their school apart with accredited between administrators, and both content
to a given subject and by emphasising training and certification in CLIL. and language teachers, schools can become
critical thinking. • Maximising learning outcomes for students. part of the global movement in bilingual
education.
What are the benefits of CLIL for How do you become CLIL certified? To learn more about Bridge CLIL
students? Bridge developed its unique CLIL certification certification for teachers or institutions visit
Through CLIL, students are motivated to engage programme to fill a training gap within https://bridge.edu/tefl/courses/specialized/
with English in a meaningful, authentic way. bilingual education. content-language-integrated-learning
editorial@elgazette.com 29