American CBI vs. European CLIL

[Manuel F. Lara]

Dear all,

I want to hear about what do you think about this. In my opinion CBI (content based instruction) is focused in instruction, teaching, i.e. on the teacher, while CLIL (content & language integrated learning) focus on learning, i.e. on the student.

If you take into account the context. CBI tries to integrated ELLs (English Language Learners) into the mainstream curriculum; on the other hand the purpose of CLIL is just teaching content through English, and in that way promotes language learning.

Is that write? Should we talk about Content Teaching & Learning in English?

[Zoraida]

Why can't CBI promote language learning? Can't CLIL be part of mainstream curricula? Maybe I do not follow you. Can you expand your argument, please? For the time being, my answer is it does not matter which label you attach to what you do, but what you do. On the other hand, the label 'Content and Language Integrated Learning/Teaching' is becoming more and more popular in Catalonia.