What is CLIL?

CLIL (ku-li-lu) is an acronym that stands for Content and Language Integrated Learning. It is a generic term used to mean integrated learning that combines content learning (e.g. subjects and themes) with language learning (e.g. English). CLIL is gradually becoming familiar to teachers and learners in Japan. It may primarily be considered bilingual education, English Medium Instruction (EMI), and Content-based Instruction (CBI). It is also regarded as using the English language to study subject themes and topics (e.g. math, science, social studies, music, P.E., and home economics). The primary characteristic of CLIL pedagogy is that teachers 1) emphasize content learning in the language classroom (content), 2) focus on learners’ thinking and learning skills when learning languages (cognition), 3) improve their communicative competence (communication), and 4) cultivate their cultural or intercultural awareness (culture).

Shigeru Sasajima 
Former President, J-CLIL (2017)