What key stakeholders think about CLIL programmes: Commonalities and differences of perspective

Abstract

The goal of this study is to critically discuss some of the most controversial issues affecting the characterization and implementation practices of CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) programmes from key stakeholders' perspective (teachers, learners and parents). The focus will be placed on examining their voices on what CLIL education actually means, its alleged potential benefits in terms of enhanced L2 competence and increased L2 exposure and use, whether content knowledge is improved by CLIL instruction, whether content is emphasised over language in CLIL assessment and, lastly, whether teachers and learners feel motivated and satisfied with the CLIL experience. With this in mind, and based on methodological triangulation, this paper follows a mixed-method research design for investigating the commonalities and differences of perspective. The stakeholders' voices we draw on in this paper largely coincide with most expectations and with what has been reported in the CLIL literature, though, surprisingly, not all view the need for L2 exposure and use in CLIL classes in the same way. On the whole, CLIL is positively evaluated by all stakeholders, provided these educational programmes are well articulated and effectively implemented in practice, although there is always room for further quality improvement and teacher training.