Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) in ELT as a Link between Language Learning and Content Development

Abstract

Content and Language Integrated Learning signifies studying a core subject (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering and so on) while simultaneously studying a language. It means integrating the two, with each serving the purpose of the other. Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is increasingly being used worldwide as it centers not only on content but on content and language both at the same time. There is no language without content and there is no content without language. This quantitative study discusses the use of CLIL in English language teaching (ELT). It dissects how teachers’ training and experience affect content development. A t-test analysis was conducted to analyze the effect of teachers’ training and teaching experiences on the use and impact of Content and Language Integrated Learning. The t-test analysis carried out for this study revealed that there was no significant relationship between teachers’ training programme and the use of CLIL (P<0.05), and teacher’s experience and the impact of CLIL (P<0.05). But the results achieved in this study invariably show that a majority of teachers have found that on-the-job, in-service CLIL teachers training program had hugely and positively affected their teaching performance and the language accomplishments of their English language students. And this was the central goal or purpose for which the present study was conducted. Therefore, this study recommends on-the-job, in-service CLIL training for teachers which will ensure that they remain in touch with the global trends of CLIL in ELT.