Abstract:

Content and language integrated learning (CLIL) is used as an umbrella term for approaches that involve the use of methodologies which help to build dual-focussed educational programmes that support both the learning of language and content.

As CLIL requires collaboration between subject specialists and language specialists, it is important to acknowledge that new kinds of pedagogical practices are also required for interdisciplinary and intercultural knowledge construction and sharing.

Some of the advantages of adopting a CLIL approach for learners include a) increasing motivation, as language is used to fulfil real purposes; b) developing a positive attitude to language learning; c) Preparing students for further studies and work.
One of the advantages for teachers adopting a CLIL approach include the use of innovative methods and materials away from the traditional classroom practices and resources.

In this framework, we will present a project prepared with the main aim of involving students in a meaningful and semi-professional context, and the complementary objective of making them aware of the usefulness of the analysis of texts in their structural, typological and stylistic dimensions.

This project is the result of the collaboration between the Publicity Department and the Applied Languages Department, using a methodology that includes collection of ads and text transcription, analysis of texts, discussion group and final voting of the best story told in advertisements.

In our presentation the methodology and the criteria will be explained in depth together with the outcomes and problems faced along this new educational experience within the CLIL context.

References:

Brown, H.D (2001) Teaching by Principles: An interactive approach to Language Pedagogy. White Plains, NY: Longman.
Hymes, D. (1972) On communicative competence, in Pride and Holmes, eds., Sociolinguistics. Harmondsworth: Penguin, pp. 269-293.
Nunan (1988) Learner Center Curriculum. Cambridge, UK: CUP.
Nunan (1989) Designing Tasks for the Communicative Classroom. Cambridge, UK: CUP.
Nunan, D (1999) Second Language Teaching and Learning. Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle.
Richards, J. (2001) Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching. Cambridge, UK: CUP.
Savignon, S. (1991) Communicative language teaching: State of the art, in TESOL Quarterly 25, pp. 261-77.

Keywords:

Content language learning, communicative approach, innovation.