Content & Language

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)
CLIL is a combined language acquisition and content learning approach that is sweeping the globe, especially across Asia and Europe where it was first developed in the 1990’s.

Definition
“CLIL is a dual-focused educational approach in which an additional language is used for the learning and teaching of content and language with the objective of promoting both content and language mastery to predefined levels.” (Maljers, Marsh, Wolff, Genesse, Frigols-Martín, Mahisto 2010).

Learn more about CLIL
Download a quick CLIL Overview by David Marsh, one of CLIL’s creators.
View a 9 minute CLIL FAQ interview with David Marsh
View a 1.5 minute CLIL Overview Video.
View a series of 7 short YouTube tutorials with PLC discussion or self-reflection cues
Read research in the International CLIL Research Journal (free online)
Hear CLIL educators describe a vision for using technology instead of the linear textbook.  Scroll to Emily Rosser and Oliver Meyer at bottom of the screen.

Content-Based Instruction
Content-Based Instruction (CBI), a term used in the USA and Canada, usually references immersion or bilingual education practice that puts the target language in the context of learning the content from another subject.  While students are developing skills in a new language, they can be learning topics like geography, biography or history from the target culture!  CBI strategies are also used with English Language (EL)  and world language learners.

Model Thematic Unit
Los maya y el norte, one of Jan Kittok’s graduate projects, was selected as a model unit by the Minnesota Articulation Project, Center for Advanced Research in Language Acquisition (CARLA).  The unit’s goal is for students to gain the background knowledge to understand the poignant setting, events and cultural references of the film.