Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) has undoubtedly revolutionised the world of language teaching by merging subject-specific knowledge acquisition with the simultaneous development of key language skills. This innovative pedagogical approach immerses students in a dynamic learning environment where they acquire both content and language within the same subject area.
(For a detailed overview of what the CLIL approach entails and how to most effectively use it in a language learning setting, check out this previous CLIL blog post.)
However, implementing CLIL effectively requires careful planning and innovative teaching approaches. This is where educational technology tools can really help, by offering a wealth of tools and resources to elevate CLIL programmes to new heights, and that’s precisely what this blog post explores.
What are the advantages of CLIL language lessons?
This dual focus on content and language acquisition offers numerous benefits for students:
- Deeper understanding of key subject matter: CLIL encourages students to actively engage with their subject-specific content by using it as a springboard for language learning. This deeper engagement fosters a more thorough understanding of the subject matter compared to traditional methods of separate language and content instruction.
- Enhanced language skills: By using their target language to learn and discuss other topics, students gain practical exposure to everyday vocabulary, key grammar structures and communication techniques. This consistent and contextualised practice leads to improved fluency, accuracy and confidence in using the target language.
- Improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills: CLIL encourages students to think critically and problem-solve within the context of the subject matter, while simultaneously grappling with the complexities of the target language. This promotes cognitive development and equips students with valuable real-life language skills.
How can technology support CLIL language lessons?
Technology is an increasingly powerful force in education, offering a range of benefits that help create more engaging, interactive and personalised learning experiences. Within the specific context of CLIL, we’ve identified five key ways in which educational technology can play a crucial role:
1. Increasing student engagement and motivation
Digital games, simulations and virtual reality experiences transform passive learning into active exploration. This introduces a sense of fun and discovery in the learning process. A CLIL history lesson about ancient Rome could, for example, provide an immersive experience that not only deepens their understanding of historical events – but also provides them with opportunities to practise political discussion and debate in a contextually relevant way.
2. Enabling differentiation and personalised learning
Technology can provide valuable tools for differentiation, allowing educators to tailor their CLIL lessons to individual students. Content and assessments can be carefully adjusted to offer a learning path that reflects each student’s current level of language proficiency, providing targeted practice and support.
3. Enhancing access to authentic learning materials
Exposure to authentic language use is crucial for developing fluency and communication skills. Technology can break down geographical barriers and provide students with unparalleled access to real-world multimedia content in their target language.
Online news articles, documentaries and podcasts can offer students insights into current events, cultural perspectives, and diverse voices from native speakers. Additionally, social media platforms can connect students with peers from around the world, allowing them to engage in meaningful conversations and practise their communication skills.
4. Strengthen collaboration and communication skills
Effective communication is at the heart of CLIL and technology can provide valuable tools for fostering collaboration and communication among students. Online language learning platforms like Sanako Connect help educators and students to easily access lesson resources. Learners can work together on projects, share ideas, and engage in discussions, all while practising their target language communication skills.
Furthermore, virtual classroom and video conferencing tools connect students with classmates or peers abroad, allowing them to participate in collaborative projects, cultural exchanges and live discussions about the CLIL subject matter. This both enhances communication skills and promotes cultural awareness and understanding.
5. Empowering creative content creation
Technology can empower students to become active participants in their learning by allowing them to create their own content related to the CLIL subject matter. Pictures, video, mind mapping applications and online learning platforms can be used to create films, presentations, or digital stories, encouraging students to synthesise information, express their understanding creatively, and practise their language skills in a meaningful way.
Integrating technology effectively in CLIL
While technology offers many benefits for CLIL programmes, it’s crucial to use these tools strategically and thoughtfully to ensure their effectiveness and avoid potential pitfalls. Here are some key considerations for educators when integrating technology into their CLIL lessons:
1. Alignment with learning objectives: Technology should always be chosen as a means to an end, not the end itself. Educators should carefully select tools that are directly relevant to the learning objectives and content of the CLIL lesson.
2. Age and ability-appropriate tools: It’s also essential to ensure that any technology tools selected for classroom use are relevant and suitable for the intended audience. Younger students typically benefit from simpler tools with clear instructions and engaging visuals, while older students can handle more complex platforms and applications. Carefully consider the specific needs and skills of your students when choosing technological resources to ensure a positive and productive learning experience.
3. Clear instructions and support: Evidently students need to be clear about how to use the chosen technology effectively. This may require educators to:
- Create step-by-step guides or tutorials to guide students through the process of using the technology.
- Demonstrate the tool before students begin their tasks, explaining its functionalities and potential navigation challenges.
- Provide individual guidance or small group support as needed, especially when introducing new tools or complex platforms.
- Setting expectations for appropriate online behaviour, such as respectful communication and responsible use of online resources.
4. Ongoing evaluation and reflection: It’s important to continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of any technologies used in your lessons. In particular, observe students’ engagement and learning outcomes when using the tools and seek their feedback about perceived benefits or challenges.
How can Sanako Connect support your CLIL language lessons?
Sanako Connect is a cloud-based language lab solution that caters to all language teaching approaches and across any target language. It’s highly effective whether you’re using task-based language teaching, CLIL method, communicative language teaching approach, or any other language teaching method.
With Sanako Connect:
- Teachers can share in real-time engaging resources to support the activities and provide context. This could include a wide variety of authentic real world materials including sound files, images, presentations, videos and other digital content.
- It is possible for specific resources to be shared with individual students, who can access and use them wherever they have an internet connection.
- Students can be easily divided into virtual pairs or small groups for collaborative and live role play activities or live conversation practice. These take place virtually using their laptops, tablets or smartphones, so each group of students can talk / work simultaneously inside the Sanako Connect platform without distracting other groups.
- Teachers can listen in or talk with different groups to assist as required. All individual pair/group conversations can be easily recorded and reviewed for feedback after the event, rather than interrupting live conversations.
- Educators can provide detailed feedback via Connect’s feedback functionality, which helps students to immediately see where improvements need to be made. They can then re-listen to and review the original audio material and record additional attempts.
Sanako is the global-leader in teacher-led language instruction technology. Our software supports language teachers to deliver inspiring and effective lessons. If you’d like to find out more about how Sanako’s dedicated language teaching software could transform your approach to language teaching, click here or the banner below to learn more!
