“Travelling to Greek Neighborhoods with English”: Design and Implementation of a CLIL Program at a Primary School

Abstract

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is an innovative approach which attempts to comprise holistic features, focusing on the meaning and at the same time providing opportunities for purposeful language use (Dalton – Puffer, 2007). Based on the triptych language of learning, language for learning and language through learning- this programme aims at creating innovative educational escape rooms, in order to adopt CLIL, to develop skills in the target language (English) and at the same time to emphasize context and meaning. The programme -designed for 5th grade students of a Primary School in Northern Greece- was piloted for 5 months, giving them the opportunity to “travel to Greek neighbourhoods” and enganging them in the subjects of geography, history and culture, using English, -with great enthusiasm. Various web2 tools, videos, games, websites were incorporated in the escape rooms to provide authentic material so as to enhance authentic communication in the English language and also to use different types of context so as to support language and content knowledge. The programme was assessed and evaluated using alternative ways and the results indicated the positive effects of CLIL on the students’ skills in English (TL) along with the significantly developed familiarization with the content through a creative, enthusiastic, motivating setting for students promoting active involvement and participation.