Teaching Computer Science with CLIL Methodology

Abstract

In this paper, methodological and organizational aspects of applying CLIL methodology in teaching computer science for students of universities are analyzed. It is shown that European countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Canada, where part of the curriculum has been taught in a foreign language for several decades, are most actively introducing content and language integration and promoting an interdisciplinary approach to education. CLIL methodology features and benefits are identified, namely, a comprehensive focus, stimulating learning environment, authenticity, active learning, gradual learning and collaboration. The peculiarity of CLIL methodology is that its use requires a stable elementary skill in the grammar of a foreign language, as well as knowledge of subject-specific language. In accordance with various conditions, CLIL model can be presented in various forms: it can be a full course of a foreign language discipline, a module from a specific topic area, a part of any course, a project, a laboratory workshop, and a research, too. The paper presents a plan for computer science lectures and labs in a foreign language, which contains seven stages, each of which is performed in English. Integration of computer science and teaching in English at the Kremenchuk Mykhailo Ostrohradskyi National University is implemented using developed bilingual course program “Computer for beginners”. The course content includes a study of the material necessary for obtaining skills in using modern ICT and a personal computer using English glossary. Conclusions are drawn regarding conditions and principles of teaching computer science in a foreign language. The scientific novelty of the work is that for the first time a comprehensive analysis of the expediency of using CLIL methodology was carried out at the Kremenchuk Mykhailo Ostrohradskyi National University. The practical significance of the work is that its results can be used for further implementation of content and language integration in Ukraine universities. The development of new content and language integrated courses with CLIL methodology for teaching courses in a foreign language is considered promising.