In the modern world, mastering multiple languages has become a vital skill. Whether for academic journey, career opportunities or simply cultural understanding, languages can pave various paths and open many doors. As educators, it’s essential to equip students not only with appropriate linguistic skills but also with the confidence to use languages in real-life contexts and that is where innovative teaching methods like CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) come into play. By integrating content and language learning, teachers can create dynamic, engaging lessons that prepare learners for a successful life in a global society. Our “CLIL, language teaching and creative methods for inclusive groups” training course in Tenerife offers you the chance to get to know this useful approach and improve your teaching practice.
Introduction: what is CLIL?
CLIL, or Content and Language Integrated Learning, is a teaching approach where students learn a foreign language through meaningful content such as science, geography, history, culture or environmental topics. Instead of studying language as an isolated subject, learners use it as a tool to explore real ideas, solve problems and communicate with others.
CLIL is versatile and can be applied to any foreign language and can cover a wide range of topics, including more creative or non-formal areas of education like photography, theater and improvisation, non-verbal exercises or storytelling.
Benefits of CLIL
CLIL methodology brings various benefits to language learning. It turns a regular learning process into an active, collaborative and inclusive quest. Learners who take advantage of this methodology gain confidence in using a language quickly, acquire the language naturally, without forcing memorization and start seeing the language as a natural tool, instead of a standalone academic subject.
CLIL increases students’ motivation and introduces a wider cultural context to learning. The increased motivation is often visible in improved participation, better retention and a positive attitude towards language learning.
Another of the key strengths of CLIL is its focus on authentic communication and real-world relevance. This method encourages the use of language in an active and practical way. Learners not only develop language abilities but also critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Examples of CLIL activities
There are many types of CLIL activities. For example:
- learning biodiversity vocabulary through an outdoor observation task
- exploring local heritage through a treasure hunt
- using storytelling to practise past tenses
- describing natural landscapes in a foreign language
- creating visual maps or posters about environmental topics
- using movement or mime to practise vocabulary
- using digital tools to adapt materials to different language levels
Our approach to CLIL at Tenerife Courses
Our CLIL course is directed to educators who want to integrate CLIL into their teaching methods. The course offers an overview of CLIL principles, methodology and theory behind it. During the training, there will be opportunities to explore language learning through movement, physical experience, non-verbal communication and cooperative games.
This course offers a unique aspect of bringing the CLIL method into the natural and cultural settings of Tenerife. With the help of outdoor education methods, the participants will be able to experience language learning through activities like a gamified treasure hunt among local historic landmarks, vocabulary practice through movement and storytelling inspired by Canarian myths and legends.
Moreover, the course offers an opportunity to use digital tools for the creation of CLIL materials and adapting them to the learners’ language levels and needs.
As Tenerife Courses values inclusion, environmental awareness and intercultural perspectives, each day of the course will combine short theory input with moments of individual reflection, collaborative work and activities tailored to each participants’ needs and abilities.
Learn more about our CLIL teacher training course in Tenerife
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