Understanding Activity Types in CLIL

 What is CLIL?

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is an educational approach that combines teaching subject content and learning a second or foreign language. This method provides students with opportunities to improve their knowledge in specific subject areas while simultaneously enhancing their language proficiency. For example, a science lesson might be taught in English to non-native speakers, enabling them to learn both scientific concepts and English vocabulary.

CLIL activities aim to make language use meaningful and contextual. Students actively use language in ways that reflect real-world communication, which helps them develop both their linguistic and cognitive skills. These activities can vary widely and adapt to different subjects, language goals, and learning levels.

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Types of CLIL Activities

1. Activities to Enhance Peer Communication

These activities help students improve their understanding of subject concepts and build communicative competence. The focus is on engaging students in interactions that require them to share and clarify information with their peers.

• Example: Running Dictation
  In this activity, one student reads a short text displayed across the room and then tells it to a partner who writes it down. This encourages teamwork, listening, and speaking skills.

• Example: Information-Gap Crossword
  Students work in pairs, each having different information. They must ask and answer questions to fill in the blanks, reinforcing vocabulary and communication in context.

By integrating speaking, listening, and writing, these activities foster collaboration and contextual grammar practice.

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2. Activities to Develop Reading Strategies

Reading is a critical skill, especially when students encounter dense or complex texts. CLIL activities in this area focus on teaching students how to approach and analyze texts effectively.

• Key Features

  • Students engage with authentic texts, such as historical documents, scientific reports, or literary excerpts.
  • Activities are designed to guide students through comprehension and analysis rather than simply extracting information.

• Example: Analyzing the American Revolution
  In a history lesson, students might read a dense text about the causes of the American Revolution. They identify key factors, guided by questions that prompt analysis and synthesis of information.

These activities build critical thinking, comprehension, and the ability to navigate linguistically challenging material.

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3. Activities to Guide Student Production (Oral and Written)

CLIL emphasizes planning and preparation in both speaking and writing tasks. Students are given a "minimum guarantee" of knowledge and language skills, enabling them to confidently express themselves while encouraging creativity.

• Key Elements

  • Activities include brainstorming, summarizing, and vocabulary building.
  • Students are encouraged to go beyond structured outputs and add personal insights or ideas.

• Example: Explaining Photosynthesis
  Before presenting on photosynthesis, students read and summarize a scientific text, identify key terms, and create a presentation outline. This preparation ensures a solid foundation for their language output.

Such activities blend structured learning with opportunities for improvisation and individual expression.

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4. Activities to Engage Higher Cognitive Skills

Tasks that require critical thinking or complex problem-solving deepen students' understanding and retention of language. These activities challenge students to think about language in a meaningful way.

• Key Features

  • Students engage in analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information.
  • Activities often include debates, literary analysis, or problem-solving tasks.

• Example: Analyzing a Literary Passage
  In an English literature class, students analyze a passage for its metaphorical language and structure. They discuss its meaning and implications, which enhances both linguistic and critical thinking skills.

These activities encourage deep engagement with the material, promoting better language retention and comprehension.

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Why CLIL Activities are Effective

CLIL activities create a dynamic learning environment where language and content are interconnected. By focusing on real-world communication, critical thinking, and collaboration, students gain valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom. Research supports the effectiveness of integrated learning approaches in fostering both academic success and language development (Coyle, Hood, & Marsh, 2010).

References

Coyle, D., Hood, P., & Marsh, D. (2010). CLIL: Content and Language Integrated Learning. Cambridge University Press.