Those who teach English in Italy need to keep up with new “trends” in EFL learning. Though there are countless new “experimental” methodologies, among the newest is CLIL.

What is CLIL?

Content and Language Integrated Learning, or CLIL as it’s more commonly known, is essentially a standard classroom subject, such as science, taught in English (or another target language) rather than the first language of the learners (in this case Italian). In CLIL classes, tasks are engineered to allow students to focus on and learn to use English as they learn the new subject content.

At some Italian universities, half of the required courses are taught solely in English. These policies are becoming more commonplace. In fact, many P.O.N. projects have been approved for CLIL courses in some southern regions of Italy.

CLIL materials often have very much visual support to help adhere meaning, thereby allowing lower-level language students to comprehend high-level content. The materials support the students’ focus on the English language they need to learn about a particular subject. Teachers and collaborators usually choose a lesson’s language based on its function and efficiency in relaying the subject’s main content.

If you are researching TEFL certification programs, try to find one that at least gives a concept overview and reviews some resources for CLIL teachers. That way, when you begin interviewing for jobs teaching English in Italy, your resume will carry more weight with potential employers, especially public schools.