CLIL and Immersion: Two Paths to Integrated Learning

As part of my weekly series, this post explores two influential approaches in education: Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and Immersion. Though these terms are often used interchangeably, they differ in purpose, execution, and outcomes. I need this post, I will explore their definitions, similarities, differences, classroom applications, and my take on their potential.

💡 Definitions

CLIL refers to a dual-focused approach where subject content (e.g., science, history) is taught through a foreign or additional language. The language used in the classroom and the materials are typically more simplified compared to immersion programs. The emphasis is on integrating content learning with language acquisition.

Immersion programs, on the other hand, aim to develop near-native fluency in the target language by fully immersing students in the language across all or most subjects. These programs often operate in bilingual or multilingual societies, with the language of instruction commonly used outside school as well.

✨ Similarities 

1. Integration of Language and Content: Both approaches aim to teach a subject through a language other than the learners’ first language.

2. Additive Bilingualism: They promote the development of proficiency in the target language without sacrificing content learning.

3. Student-Centered Learning: Both encourage active engagement and interaction in the target language.

 ‼️ Key Differences

1. Language of Instruction: CLIL typically uses a foreign language with little exposure outside the classroom. Immersion employs a language present in the local context (e.g., a minority or regional language).

2. Objectives: CLIL focuses on functional language use and subject understanding. Immersion aims for native-like proficiency and deep cultural integration.

3. Teacher Training: CLIL often relies on content specialists with limited language training. Immersion programs usually employ bilingual teachers trained in both language and content pedagogy.

4. Resources: CLIL requires adapted, simplified materials. Immersion typically uses resources designed for native speakers.

5. Starting Age and Scope: Immersion programs often begin early and cover a broader curriculum. CLIL is more flexible, with partial or late implementation, often in secondary or higher education.

👩🏻🏫 Sample Task

For CLIL:

• Subject: Environmental Science

• Task: Students create a comprehensive report on renewable energy sources, analyzing their benefits and challenges in the target language. The report includes charts, graphs, and an oral presentation component.

💻 My Take on CLIL and Immersion

I have never had the chance of working in an immersion school, but I have worked in bilingual schools adapting CLIL as their main teaching approach. In my opinion, the success of the program relies on a few critical factors. One challenge I observed was the varying proficiency levels in the same class—for example, a third-grade classroom might have students ranging from A1 to B1 proficiency. Complementary classes focusing on English as a subject itself could help bridge this gap. Additionally, providing teachers with training and workshops, and equipping them with effective techniques, would undoubtedly make lessons more student-centered and engaging, moving away from teacher-centered lectures that can become monotonous.

Another point I want to highlight, which connects to the challenges I discussed in a previous post, is how successful CLIL programs could significantly aid students in their prep school and future faculty studies. By fostering both content knowledge and language proficiency, CLIL can help lay a stronger foundation for academic success in higher education.

📜 Dive Deeper

If you’re interested in exploring CLIL and Immersion further, here are the key articles from Oxford University Press ELT Journal and Cambridge University Press & Assessment Annual Review of Applied Linguistics that I referred to while writing this post:

1. CLIL: Not Only Not Immersion but Also More Than the Sum of Its Parts

2. Immersion and CLIL in English: More Differences Than Similarities

3. CLIL and Immersion: How Clear-Cut Are They?

4. Content-and-Language Integrated Learning: From Practice to Principles? 

5. CLIL and Non-CLIL: Differences from the Outset

💭 What Are Your Thoughts?

Have you experienced or implemented CLIL or immersion in your teaching or learning? What challenges or successes have you encountered? Let’s start a conversation—share your thoughts below!

(Next week, I’ll focus on a more practical, classroom-related topic. Stay tuned!)