Mastering the Four
Pillars of CLIL: A Guide
for Educators
Welcome to this presentation exploring the four key skills that
underpin effective Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL).
We'll delve into each skill, providing insights and practical examples to
empower educators like you to effectively implement CLIL in your
classrooms.
by Айбала Куттыбай
What are the Four Skills in CLIL?
Content-Based Language-Focused Intercultural Learner-Centered
Learning Learning Understanding Instruction
This core element focuses CLIL emphasizes CLIL aims to foster CLIL encourages teachers
on teaching subject language acquisition intercultural sensitivity to adapt their teaching
matter in the target alongside content and awareness. This skill styles to cater to diverse
language. Students learning. Teachers actively involves understanding learner needs. Individual
acquire knowledge in integrate language and respecting different learning styles, strengths,
areas like science, history, development activities, cultures and perspectives, and weaknesses are
or geography, while addressing vocabulary, promoting empathy and considered, fostering a
simultaneously grammar, and global citizenship among dynamic and inclusive
developing their language communication strategies learners. learning environment.
proficiency. in the context of the
subject matter.
Content-Based Learning:
Teaching Subject Matter in
the Target Language
Science Experiments in History Research
English Projects in French
Students conduct experiments, Students engage in research,
discuss findings, and write lab gather information from primary
reports in the target language, sources, and present their
solidifying their understanding of findings in presentations or
scientific concepts and improving essays, developing their research
their language skills. and communication skills.
Geography Mapping Exercises in Spanish
Students analyze maps, discuss geographical features, and create
presentations in the target language, enhancing their spatial awareness
and language fluency.
Language-Focused Learning:
Integrating Language
Development Activities
Vocabulary Building Grammar Focus
Teachers use specialized Teachers highlight key
vocabulary related to the subject grammatical structures necessary
matter, introducing new terms for understanding and expressing
through visuals, explanations, and content, incorporating grammar
practice activities. practice into relevant activities and
tasks.
Communication Strategies
Teachers encourage students to use a range of communication strategies,
such as paraphrasing, clarifying, and asking questions to support their
understanding and interaction in the target language.
Intercultural Understanding:
Fostering Sensitivity and
Awareness
Global Perspectives
CLIL encourages students to explore different cultural viewpoints on the same subject matter,
fostering understanding and tolerance.
Cultural Comparisons
Comparing and contrasting cultural practices and beliefs related to the subject matter broadens
students' perspectives and promotes empathy.
Collaborative Learning
Working in diverse groups, students learn to communicate effectively across cultures, fostering
teamwork and intercultural sensitivity.
Learner-Centered
Instruction: Adapting to
Diverse Needs
1 Differentiated Instruction
Teachers provide various learning materials, activities, and
supports to meet the individual needs of learners at different
proficiency levels.
2 Visual Aids and Interactive Activities
Utilizing visual aids, interactive games, and technology enhances
understanding and engagement for all learners, regardless of their
learning styles.
3 Feedback and Assessment
Teachers provide regular feedback on students' language and
content progress, offering guidance and support to help learners
achieve their goals.
Integrating Content and
Language: A Seamless
Approach
Connecting Language to Content
Teachers ensure that language learning is directly related to the content
being taught, making the learning process relevant and engaging for
students.
Real-World Applications
Teachers present authentic content, such as news articles,
documentaries, or real-life case studies, to provide students with practical
context for language learning.
Interactive and Collaborative Learning
Teachers use a variety of interactive activities, such as role-playing,
debates, and group projects, to promote language use in a meaningful
context.
Scaffolding for Language Development: Supporting
Student Progress
Pre-Teaching Vocabulary
Introducing key vocabulary before the lesson through visuals, definitions, and examples helps
1
students understand the content more effectively.
Providing Graphic Organizers
2 Using graphic organizers, such as concept maps, timelines, or Venn diagrams, helps
students organize their thoughts and understand complex information.
Simplifying Language
3 Adjusting the language used in the lesson to match students' proficiency levels
ensures that they can access and understand the information.
Providing Sentence Frames
4 Using sentence frames provides students with a structure for
constructing sentences and expressing their ideas in the target
language.
Assessing Content and Language
Progress: Measuring Growth and
Success
1
Formative Assessments
Regular assessments during the learning process provide ongoing feedback and inform instruction, ensuring
students are on track.
2
Summative Assessments
Formal assessments at the end of a unit or module measure students' overall understanding of the content
and their language proficiency.
3
Portfolio Assessment
Students collect their work throughout the course, demonstrating their progress in both content and language skills.
