Adoption of CLIL in Part – II English

Content and language integrated learning (CLIL) in Part – II English language learning

• To develop the students' language skill in the language of instruction (English) for non-native speakers.
• To bridge students from medium of instruction other than English in their school education.
• To develop the intercultural understanding and also to improve social and interpersonal skills.
• To inculcate soft skills training as part of the curriculum.

The Madura College admits students from rural background, a majority of those who have completed their school education with Tamil as their medium of instruction. Since language learning is a long term process, bridging this divide with short term bridge courses was found to be not successful. Hence language learning in the context of usage by students would be beneficial to the students. It is with this motive that CLIL curriculum was included as Part – II English course from the academic year 2020-21.

A model curriculum based on CLIL was designed by Tamilnadu State Council for Higher Education in association with British council. The college decided to adopt the same model curriculum and text book for use in Part – II English. The course curriculum was clearly stated and adopted with Outcome Based Education framework.

The entire European Union has adopted CLIL with success. The syllabus prepared by TAMILNADU STATE COUNCIL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION (TNSCHE) in association with British council is expected to yield similar results here also. Two semester of the course has been completed so far. Success would be validated in the years to come. Initial appraisal from teachers indicate high levels of motivation among students from varying academic backgrounds.

Students take active interest in solving the activities designed for the context.

The dual-focus on content and language is challenging and hard to achieve.

CLIL inspire students to develop skills, including the ability to think critically, be creative, to communicate and collaborate. Besides, it has the advantage that multiple subjects can be taught in English, so that student's exposure to the language is greater than before and this implies their language attainment is faster. Also, being content focused, CLIL classes add an extra element to the class and engage students, which is mainly appreciated in situations where students are unenthusiastic about learning a language.