CLIL in the classroom: an ICT didactic proposal for natural science

Abstract

(EN)Mastering a second language has become a necessity for people, and it has become increasingly important. Globalization is one of the determining factors in shaping and structuring society today. Because of its worldwide impact, the various fields that make it up are influenced and directed to meet new demands. Thus, we are witnessing the creation of a new social organization in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world (Marsh, 2006). In order to be an active part of this society, as Marsh (2006) shows, it is important to create a common language environment that allows for communication among the various members of this global organization. In this way, English becomes the reference language, the lingua franca, and takes on a significance that makes it a fundamental tool for any individual. Consequently, teaching it as a second language to all people from an early age is a basic requirement. Furthermore, multilingualism is part of cultural diversity (Council of the European Union, 2008). In this regard, CLIL (Integrated Content and Language Learning, in Spanish AICLE "Aprendizaje Integrado de Contenidos y Lenguas Extranjeras") can be seen as a suitable alternative to achieve the desired goal and focus the teaching and learning of English on both academic content and language itself, which meets the requirements of the "integrated world" in which we find ourselves. However, it is important to emphasize that the suggestions developed through this methodology must be realistic in order to be applicable in the classroom. For this reason, during this didactic proposal emphasis will be placed on the use of new technologies. In the era in which we find ourselves, it is a fact that these are part of the daily life and leisure of our students. Therefore, it makes sense that they also become part of their educational experience and learn to use them in a beneficial way. The extra motivational element of using ICTs makes them especially recommended for any educational environment and they fit perfectly with the CLIL philosophy.