A Case Study on the Effectiveness of Applying Content and Language Integrated Learning in an Artificial Intelligence English Reading Course

Abstract

The present study was a case study on the application of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) English reading course in the Chinese general English education (GEE) context. It aimed to investigate the effectiveness of CLIL in improving EFL learners’ AI general knowledge. It was significant for the practice of applying CLIL in China and provided some recommendations for the teaching of AI English. This study proposed two research questions: 1. What are the effects of CLIL in improving students’ AI general knowledge?; 2. How do students perceive CLIL? An Artificial Intelligence English reading course was conducted as a teaching experiment in a GEE class of 45 students at Chongqing Technology and Business University, China. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were applied in data collection and data analysis. Research results indicated that Content and Language Integrated Learning effectively improved EFL learners’ AI general knowledge and was a teaching method applicable to most students taking part in the teaching experiment. CLIL was worthy of being further implemented and studied in the Chinese GEE context. Besides, the research results also suggested that AI-related content was feasible in Chinese GEE. Students demonstrated the need to learn both general and professional AI knowledge. AI English was a subject that needs to be further explored