David Marsh

María Luisa Pérez Cañado

Juan Ráez Padilla

This volume explores the current position of CLIL on the three main fronts where it is attracting particular attention in specialized literature, namely, implementation, research, and teacher training. To this end, it presents evidence from national and international research projects, governmentally-financed pedagogical initiatives, grassroots experiences and investigations, and inter-institutional training programs which offer insights into how CLIL is working in action on the afore-mentioned three levels. The opening section of the book (“CLIL in action: Practical considerations”) provides a window into how CLIL implementation is unravelling at the grassroots level vis-á-vis key aspects for CLIL development, such as the design of materials, the use of ICT, and the importance of extramural exposure. The second part (“The effects of CLIL on language learning: Research-based evidence”) explores some key areas for future research, showcasing how engaging in research as a device that drives reflection is the best possible way to continue moving the CLIL agenda forward. Finally, in the third part (“Preparing teachers for CLIL: Practical proposals”), the interface of research and pedagogy is discussed, as the former informs the latter in a clear instantiation of what Coyle (2011) terms “evidence-based practice” in setting necessary teacher training actions in place. As such, the volume addresses three burning issues in the CLIL scenario through practical and research-based proposals of tried-and-true CLIL development. If all three strands – implementation, research, and training – dovetail and progress in harmony, a solid template will be built for the future and the CLIL agenda will be pushed forward. By pooling together the insights of a set of researchers, teacher trainers, policy makers, and grassroots practitioners, this volume will contribute to this much-needed endeavour.

Voices from the Classroom

CLIL in Action

This book seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice by identifying the main challenges which the implementation of the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) is posing in language teaching. It reports on the outcomes yielded by prominent European research projects and thematic networks and presents the insights of a prestigious set of scholars, practitioners, and policy-makers from different parts of Europe. The book is divided into four main parts. The first section examines the coordination of language studies in the European Higher Education Area, from general language policy development, to the practicalities of coordinating whole degrees or drawing up ECTS study guides. The second part analyses the concept of competencies within the Bologna process. Methodological aspects are broached in the third thematic block by sharing practical accounts and experiences across Europe. The final part seeks to clarify the most important aspects with regard to evaluating language learning in the new credit system, and examines learning outcomes, student work hours, or ECTS credits.

María Luisa Pérez Cañado

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