How to improve Content and Language Integrated Learning in the classroom

In today’s interconnected world, language learning is essential for fostering communication and cultural understanding. Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) has emerged as a powerful approach that blends language acquisition with subject-specific education. By integrating ICT, game-based tools, multimedia content creation, and interactive activities, teachers are better equipped to promote linguistic diversity and prepare students for active participation as European citizens.

A new edition of the course “Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) course for teachers” took place in Palermo from 26/10/2024 to 02/11/2024. The participants came from two European countries, with Biljana Mijajlovićand Tanja Radišić from Third Belgrade Gymnasium in Serbia and participants coming from two different Finnish institutions: Markus Lampainen and Maarit Vainio from Salo / School of Hermanni and Terese Herrgård-Backlund and Anna-Karin Jansson from Novia University of Applied Sciences. 
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​The CLIL course started with an interactive brainstorming session, where participants were encouraged to share their current practices and prior experiences with CLIL. This collaborative approach helped create an engaging atmosphere for exchanging ideas and insights. The course then engaged with the theoretical foundations of CLIL, exploring the importance of teaching subject content through a second language. A key focus was the role of the teacher in supporting language integration, fostering a learning environment that enhances both content understanding and language development.

​The course offered valuable insights into effective lesson planning within the CLIL context. Participants explored practical tips and strategies for designing engaging and purposeful CLIL lessons. Through sharing resources and experiences, they began to create their own lesson plans, which is the groundwork for future activities.

​Moreover, the participants explored how to effectively integrate engaging texts and videos into CLIL classrooms, using multimedia resources in creative ways. Participants examined popular ICT tools in education, with a focus on those most relevant to their individual needs and interests. They had the opportunity to practice with these tools, creating educational games and interactive presentations to seamlessly incorporate into their lesson plans.

​In order to explore effective strategies for encouraging collaboration and peer learning or supporting language use, the participants were introduced to experiential learning activities designed to enrich CLIL lessons. Through hands-on activities, they gained valuable insights into creating an interactive and immersive learning environment.

​In the final part of the course the participants could share their finalized lesson plans, using their newly learned strategies and activities developed throughout the week. This way they proved their ability to create interactive and language-rich CLIL classrooms. 

More info on this course here.
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