CLIL

The term CLIL was coined by David Marsh of University of Jyvaskyla, Finland 
(1994). 

CLIL is an acronym for ‘Content Language Integrated Learning’ and is an 

approach for teaching a subject such as Maths, History, Science etc. 
through the medium of a non-native language. 

The CLIL methodology implies that teachers take into account not only the 
objectives of the subject they are teaching, but also the command of the 
language they want to develop. 

What is it based on? 

This method is based on applying the language you want to learn in classes 
of common subjects 

The basic principles underlying CLIL are the 4Cs, i.e. content, cognition, 
communication, and culture. 

This type of methodology is based on four concepts known 

as the 4Cs: 
▪ “​Content”:​ inmersión en el conocimiento y la comprensión de los 
contenidos específicos de un área. 
▪ “​Communication”:​ uso de la lengua extranjera como vehículo de 
comunicación. 
▪ “​Cognition”:​ desarrollo de destrezas cognitivas que relacionen la 
formación de conocimientos y la lengua. 
▪ “​Culture”:​ Introducción a un contexto cultural que permita ampliar la 
perspectiva hacia el conocimiento del otro y uno mismo. 
▪  
CHARACTERISTICS  
Through CLIL, students are using the language as they learn. 
The learning process is based on real life situations. 
Learning is interactive and autonomous and is focused on processes 
and tasks, not just theoretical knowledge. 
Students are offered real-life situations where they are to use English 
as a communication means and this makes them raise their awareness 
as to how the language itself is used, as well as cross-cultural 
awareness.  
The learners develop their immediate speaking skills with an emphasis 
on fluency. 
Teachers plan their lessons with two sets of objectives, one regarding 
content and one regarding language.