Using CLIL to Kill Two Birds With One Stone

CLIL or Content Language Integrated Learning is becoming quite the buzzword in language learning circles. Basically, it's teaching a subject using English to students who don't speak English as their native language. An example of this would be to teach history in English to French speakers in France.


CLIL and Its Effect on EFL
CLIL gets particularly neat if you can further connect the language and subject. You could teach about the American Civil War in English, or perhaps talk about Picasso in Spanish. Many EFL teachers already use CLIL in their classes, they just haven't put a name to it.

My Personal Experience
I've taught art, science, social studies, and history in English. It hasn't been easy. While I studied art at school, teaching science and history was quite challenging. I had to study the material a lot before I could even teach it and if students asked me questions that weren't in that chapter I couldn't always answer them.

Benefits
There are lots of benefits to using CLIL, perhaps the best one is that students get more contact with the target language. Their vocabulary will increase and they'll get more chances to practice using it. CLIL is also motivating since the focus often moves from grammar and vocabulary to content. It also raises the bar for students since they are learning something new in a foreign language and not just the foreign language in a contrived environment. Another added benefit is that students can learn two things at once: a subject and a language. In addition, CLIL can be used with all levels and ages.


Drawbacks
If CLIL is as great as people proclaim it to be, what are the drawbacks? Well, for one, it can fail miserably if not implemented correctly. Since you're teaching two things at once, you could waste twice as much time than if you were just teaching one subject. The other major drawback is that teachers have to be proficient in both a language and the subject they're teaching.

Useful Links

• The BBC's Teaching English has an article as well and activities about CLIL. 
• Cambridge has a couple of guides, such as teaching history and teaching maths and CLIL basics.
• Chiew Pang wrote A CLIL To Climb.
• The European Commission Languages website has info and links.
• Jeremy Harmer wrote a blog post about the pros and cons of using CLIL.
• International House has a course on how to teach CLIL. 
• One Stop English has an entire section with nearly 1000 resources on CLIL as well as a quick intro.
• The UK's National Centre for Language has an introduction and info for English, French, and German.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Hot Topic: Cell Phones, If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em

From frontbox.dk

Updated 5 October 2014

I recently wrote about how I had given up on trying to take cell phones away from students. I think that classroom discipline is hard enough as it is. Since then I’ve come across a couple of articles that have ideas on how teachers can integrate cell phones into lessons for students from elementary school to university.

In my classes I collect all the cell phones at the beginning of class and only give them to the students if I'm going to do an activity with their cell phones.

More and more teachers are moving away from teacher-centred classes to student-centred ones. Smartphones and cellphones can help make this possible as students learn to teach their peers. Here are some ways students can use cell phones in class.

• Blog: Have students blog about their experiences. You can also use it for homework. 
• Calculator: Great for math classes. 
• Call: Make phone role-plays more realistic by sending half the class out of the room and having them phone their partner. 
• Dictionary: Great for language learners. They can use L1-L2 dictionaries or L2-L2 dictionaries. 
• Photos: Have students take photos of the board. That way they have all the notes right there on their phone.
• Podcasts: Students can create them and listen to other students’ as well. 
• Questions on blogs and forums: Create an intranet blog or forum for students to ask and answer questions. 
• Quizzes and Polls: During class have students answer questions using a poll format. They can see the results in real time. 
• Record: Students can record their voice or make a video. It's great for pronunciation practice or presentations.
• Research: Students love surfing the net. Put it to good use and have them do research that way.
• Scavenger Hunt: Send all the students out of the classroom and start texting them clues on what they should find. Have them send a photo to prove they were there. 
• Text Students Questions: Send out a mass text at the start of the day and let students know that the first few students to respond will get a reward, anything from treats to no homework to extra credit points work.
• Timer: Have students talk for X amount of time and time it when they do so. 
• Translate: Google translate isn’t the best, but you could use it to your advantage. Translate a sentence from their L1 their L2. Give them the L2 and have them translate it back into the L1 and then re-translate it into their L2. 

References

• Huffington Post: Teachers Using Cell Phones 
• KQED: Don’t Lecture Me: Re-thinking How College Students Learn 
• KQED: How Teachers Make Cell Phones Work in the Classroom 

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Learning Styles: Gardner

Updated 18 May 2013

I wrote about different learning styles previously and this post will talk about one of the most well-known research about learning styles was done by Dr. Howard Gardner about Multiple Intelligences.

I got this information from a conference I went to a couple of years ago in Piura, Peru. Unfortunately the presenter didn't put their name on the worksheet, so I don't know exactly who to give credit to.

Linguistically: They think in words.

• They enjoy reading, writing, telling stories, and playing word games.
• They need books, CDs, writing material, paper, diaries, dialogues, discussion, debate, and stories.

Logically-Mathematically: They use reasoning.

• They enjoy experimenting, questioning, logical puzzles, and calculating.
• They need things to explore and think about.
• They like science materials, manipulatives, trips to planetariums or science museums.

Spatially: They think in images and pictures.

• They enjoy designing, drawing, and visualising.
• They need art, legos, videos, movies, slides, imagination games, puzzles, illustrated books.
• They like trips to art galleries and museums.

Bodily-Kinesthetically: They learn by moving.

• They enjoy dancing, running, building, touching, and gesturing.
• They need role plays, drama, things to build, sports, tactile experiences, and hands-on learning.

Musically: They think in rhythms and melodies.

• They need music and instruments.
• They enjoy singing, whistling, humming, tapping their hands and feet, and listening.

Interpersonally: They learn by talking with other people.

• They enjoy leading, organising, relating, manipulating, and talking.
• They need friends, group games, community events, clubs, and mentors.

Intrapersonally: They learn by thinking alone.

• They enjoy setting goals, meditating, dreaming, being quiet, and planning.
• They need time alone, self paced projects, and choices. 

If you want to learn more, there are a number of books written about Multiple Intelligences. You might also be interested in . . .

• Dale's Cone of Experience: best ways to learn 
• Dunn and Dunn: environmental, emotional, social, physiological, psychological
• Gregorc: abstract, concrete, random, sequential
• Honey and Mumford: activist, reflector, theorist, pragmatist
• How boys and girls learn differently: different ways of thinking between genders
• Learning Pyramid: how teaching methods affect how much you learn  
• Kolb: converger, accomodator, assimilator, diverger
• Meyers-Briggs: sensation, intuition, feeling, thinking
• VAK: visual, audio, kinesthetic

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Pros and Cons of Teaching Content Courses

From sustain.inside.tru.ca

Some teachers think that teaching content / subject courses is much better than teaching the 4 skills and in fact look down on those who teach the 4 skills. There are a variety of content courses out there.

• They can be extensions of English courses, such as presentation or academic writing.
• They can be subjects within the students' normal classes, such as math or science.
• They can English for Specific Purposes, like Aviation English. 

There are advantages and disadvantages to teaching these types of courses. Many schools, from elementary to university are trying to teach subject courses in English to up their ratings. Let's assume that these courses are taught be a native or near-native English speaker and not a local teacher who barely speaks English but is required to teach in English so just stumbles over the words as they read from the textbook.

Pros

• More rewarding for the teacher and the students.
• Students may be more motivated.
• Teachers might get higher evals if the students have a high level of English.
• Teachers can use a higher level of English in these types of courses.

Cons

• More work for the teacher.
• May be too difficult for the student.
• Teachers might get lower evals if it's a required course but the English is too high for the students.
• Students might feel resentful because they are trying to learn about their major and not English. They also might be required to buy two books: one in English and a translation.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Cool Link: Squigly's Playhouse

If you teach preschool, you've got to take a look at Squigly's Playhouse. From games to crafts, brain teasers, season and holiday to writing, you'll find lots of material here. It's free and updated pretty often. If you're looking for more worksheets, they've got an affiliated site: Squigly Jr that has shapes, letters, numbers and more. So take a look at the site, you're sure to find something that you can use in class.


Got an idea for a cool link?
Email me with your cool link, name, and website (if you have one) and I'll post it ASAP.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Cool Link: Sparkle Box

If you teach primary school or young learners, you're going to love this site. Sparkle Box has thousands of products that you can download: all for free.

Choose from literacy, numeracy, topics, signs and labels, classroom management, and other resources and you're on your way to finding great resources for your classroom.  Towards the bottom, they also have photos, books, foreign languages, a sharing zone, info for parents, subjects, CDs / DVDs, and Key Stage 2.They also have great themes, such as Christmas that are well worth checking out.


Got an idea for a cool link?
Email me with your cool link, name, and website (if you have one) and I'll post it ASAP.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Cool Link: Literacy Center Education Network

With resources in English as well as foreign languages (Spanish, German, and French) the Literacy Center Education Network has lots of material for you to use for free. From learning letters, numbers, colours, shapes and more, they have educational material for preschoolers and young learners.

They have a section for parents and teachers that will help you make the most of their resources. Within this section they also have info for EFL and ESL students. It's a very simple, well organised site.


Got an idea for a cool link?
Email me with your cool link, name, and website (if you have one) and I'll post it ASAP.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Cool Link: Preschool by Stormie

Although it's mainly created in order to sell material, there are still free resources available on Preschool by Stormie.

There is information about teaching prep and a potpourri of ideas. Things such as behavious management, bulletin boards, schedules, health and safety, parent / teacher conferences and staff relationships are just a few of the ideas covered in the teaching prep section. The potpourri of ideas includes topics such as birthdays, technology in the classroom, art, fine motor skills, math, science, music and more.



Got an idea for a cool link?
Email me with your cool link, name, and website (if you have one) and I'll post it ASAP.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Cool Link: PreKinders

If you teach young learners, then take a look at PreKinders. It's full of resources for Pre-K teachers.They have material for themes, math, literacy, science, art, fine motor skills, music, worksheets, technology, assessment, cooking, activity centres, teaching tips, Christian resources, and miscellaneous tips for the classroom.

It's got everything you need all in one place. It's easy to navigate and has a simple theme. There aren't flashy adverts either, just good resources. It's no wonder they've won awards for their site.


Got an idea for a cool link?
Email me with your cool link, name, and website (if you have one) and I'll post it ASAP.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Cool Link: Discovery Education

Discovery Education has resources for administrators, teachers, parents and students. Students can get help with their homework or check out some of their neat programmes they have such as Young Scientist Challenge or Explore the Blue.

They also have some great resources for teachers. Whether you teach young learners or high schoolers, there's something useful that you could use in your class. They've got resources for science, math, social studies and English. They also have lesson plans, worksheets, tips for teen drivers, brain boosters, and a whole lot more. So whether you're looking for material to use in class or resources to help your students study at home, be sure to check out Discovery Education.


Got an idea for a cool link?
Email me with your cool link, name, and website (if you have one) and I'll post it ASAP.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Cool Link: ABC Teach

If you teach K-8 or at an international school, then take a look at ABC Teach. They've got lots of free materials, like subjects, reading comprehension, holidays, ABCs, interactive, as well as sections divided by levels, and even a special needs section. It's easy to navigate, bright, and colourful.

There is also a tools section which allows you to generate all types of worksheets such as games like bingo and sudoku, or activity sheets, spelling, and ABCs.

They also have a paid membership section which costs about $40 a year. They also have discounts for groups, schools, and districts.

Got an idea for a cool link?
Email me with your cool link, name, and website (if you have one) and I'll post it ASAP.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Cool Link: Kid Zone

Made for kids preschool to grade 5, Kid Zone has worksheets for a variety of different subjects. They have their resources arranged by grade as well as topic. Their topics are animals, geography, language arts, lesson plans, magic tricks, math, science, and thematic units.

The magic tricks are especially cool because kids love amazing their friends and family. At the bottom they have recent updates to the site, so you can always see what's new. Kid Zone is part of a dozen other sites run by the same family. You can see their complete list of sister sites on the bottom right. All their sites are simple, have lots of info and are basically advert free. So be sure to check out this site and their sister sites as well.

Got an idea for a cool link?
Email me with your cool link, name, and website (if you have one) and I'll post it ASAP.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Cool Link: Dream English

Kids love to sing and dance and Dream English acknowledges that. They have free mp3s, flashcards, games, chants, phonics, lesson plans and more.

If you're interested in their songs, scroll down and you can see videos about ABCs, colours, numbers, weather, actions, animals, body parts, warmers, holidays, traditional kids' song, and a whole lot more. Below that they have the top free songs and products that you can download. If you teach kids or young learners, check out their site.

Got an idea for a cool link?
Email me with your cool link, name, and website (if you have one) and I'll post it ASAP.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Cool Link: DLTK Kids

This site is made for teaching kids. DLTK Kids has crafts, colouring pages, holiday ideas, ABCs, 123s, shapes, and more. It's simple and easy to navigate. They also have a cool section about countries and cultures which is definitely worth checking out if you teach ESL or EFL.

The owners of this site have other sites, such as KidZone, First-School and others. You can find their complete list on their site in the right hand column.

Got an idea for a cool link?
Email me with your cool link, name, and website (if you have one) and I'll post it ASAP.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Cool Link: Yacapaca

Free for students and teachers, Yacapaca is part of the Chalkface Project. You can create quizzes, surveys, tests, eportfolios, and more for your classes. Yacapaca helps you share assessment, set homework from the comfort of your home, grade automatically, and use tools to analyse what you've done.

When you go to the teacher section you can select your country from a list of about 20 and the curriculum for that country will come up. This is great for those who teach at an international school as they have subjects such as economics, citizenship, design and technology, English, geography, history, math, foreign languages, science, religion and a whole lot more. It's in 7 different languages as well, so your students might be able to access it in their native language. What to know more? Check out their site.

Got an idea for a cool link?
Email me with your cool link, name, and website (if you have one) and I'll post it ASAP.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Cool Link: School House Tech

There are two different editions available at School House Tech, there's a free version and a paid version. Obviously they want you to purchase their resources, but you can try them before you buy them.

They have worksheet generators for math, vocabulary, tests, and bingo. They also have spell check dictionaries, word lists, as well as free sample worksheets. If you or your school is willing to purchase their materials, all the better, if not, then try to find free resources on other sites.


Got an idea for a cool link?
Email me with your cool link, name, and website (if you have one) and I'll post it ASAP.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Quick Tip: Teach Your Students Learning Strategies

Everyone is different, so it should come to no surprise that people learn differently and use different learning strategies. Knowing about your students' learning styles can help you teach them some learning strategies.

For example, if one of your students is a musical learner, they would probably learn best if they could hum or create a song rather than just write. Do a bit of research about learning styles and learning strategies and you'll find that not only will your students enjoy your classes more, but they'll learn more as well.

Got an idea for a quick tip?
Email me with your quick tip, name, and website (if you have one) and I'll post it ASAP.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Cool Link: Puzzle Maker

If you're looking for games, such as word searches, math squares, mazes, cryptograms, hidden messages and more, then take a look at Puzzle Maker, a part of Discovery Education.

Some things are free, but you can get more by purchasing the Puzzle Maker CD-ROM. However, you don't need to purchase it to use the free material they have on their site. So whether you're looking for a filler, a warmer, or a cool down, try using one of their puzzles in your class today.


Got an idea for a cool link?
Email me with your cool link, name, and website (if you have one) and I'll post it ASAP.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Cool Link: Amored Penguin

If you're looking for fun and games, check out Amored Penguin. You can make wordsearches, crosswords, word match puzzles, word scrambles and more.

They also have a program which helps people use logic, a math page, illusions, paper cuttings, and freshwords. Amored Penguins is great for making puzzles and games to review the concepts you've taught in class.


Got an idea for a cool link?
Email me with your cool link, name, and website (if you have one) and I'll post it ASAP.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement

Cool Link: Songs for Teaching

Songs for Teaching have tons and tons of songs, lyrics, and sound clips to help you in the classroom. They have songs about math, science, seasons, songs for young learners and songs for special education. They help your classroom come alive with music.

Everyone learns differently and there are a variety of learning styles out there; music is just one of them. The more learning styles you can integrate into your class the more likely your students are to learn. So be sure to take a look at this website and use some of their songs in your next class.

Got an idea for a cool link?
Email me with your cool link, name, and website (if you have one) and I'll post it ASAP.

Disclaimer:

• Please join my Patreon page
• I use affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on links. Read more at my FTC Disclosure and Privacy Policy Statement