Enhancing Content and Language Integrated Learning in the classroom

In an increasingly interconnected world, language learning plays a crucial role in promoting communication and understanding across cultures. Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) has emerged as a powerful methodology that combines language acquisition with subject-based learning. By learning how to  incorporate ICT and game-based tools, multimedia content creation, and dynamic experiential activities, participants are more equipped to promote linguistic diversity in education and prepare students for their roles as European citizens.

From September 29th to October 5th, 2024, a group of dedicated educators from the Netherlands participated in an in-depth training program on CLIL in Rimini, Italy. The course brought together participants from Alberdingk Thijm-scholen LAAR & BERG, including Christina Melsert, Tony Grant, Rebecca Gwynn-Jones, Michiel Huisman, Aleksandar Lazic, Vanessa Fiorito-van Thessen, Arick Lelieveld, Laurien Talens, and Linda van Rouwendaal.

The week-long training aimed to provide teachers with the latest techniques and practical tools to effectively integrate content and language instruction. The course kicked off on Monday with an exchange of experiences, where participants shared their existing practices and knowledge related to CLIL. This collaborative session encouraged a rich exchange of ideas and set the stage for deeper exploration of the method. The theoretical discussions focused on teaching content through language, emphasizing how language can be used as the medium to deliver subject knowledge, which aligns with modern educational trends that view language as an integral part of learning rather than a separate entity.

Participants moved on to applying CLIL principles by developing lesson plans that combined both content and language learning objectives, focusing on the "language of learning." Through experimenting with educational games and tools, they explored how to help learners simultaneously understand subject matter and acquire necessary language skills. This hands-on approach offered practical insights into how interactive activities can be effectively integrated into lessons to support a deeper understanding of both content and language.

The course also delved into the use of ICT tools tailored to language acquisition, giving participants access to digital resources that could be immediately applied in their classrooms. Alongside this, experiential learning techniques were introduced, emphasizing collaborative and interactive approaches to create a more dynamic and learner-centered environment. Participants refined their lesson plans, reflecting on how these new tools and methods could enhance communication and improve daily teaching practices, ultimately fostering a more engaging and effective CLIL experience.

By the end of the course, the teachers left equipped with a deeper understanding of CLIL methodologies and practical skills to implement in their teaching. The immersive week in Rimini offered a unique opportunity for collaboration and reflection, ensuring that participants were ready to bring both content and language together in their classrooms. This training not only enhanced their teaching techniques but also provided them with new tools to create engaging, language-rich learning environments, making this an invaluable experience for all involved.

Discover more about this course here.