Advantages, Need, Scope and Limitations of CLIL

Need / Scope/ Advantages of CLIL

1. CLIL is practical in approach. It can equip the learner to use their new acquired skill at the moment rather than make them wait and use it later when they pass out of school Thus it improves language competence and increases employability. It helps students to prepare for future studies and / or working life.
2. CLIL can improve the quality of learning. CLIL makes learners skilled in using the target language. It makes them confident in using a language for conversing in their subject.
3. CLIL can help students to understand themselves, and the world in which they live. It helps students to develop multilingual interests and attitudes. It fosters deeper intercultural communication and understanding. It prepares students for global citizenship.
4. CLIL suggests means to develop skill in the target language in the midst of language variations.
5. CLIL incorporates learners of all kinds. Learners who have missed their formal training can also develop language skills through this mode.
6. CLIL can rekindle learners’ interest and motivation in language learning. CLIL can make learners autonomous. It prepares learners for lifelong learning.

Limitations of CLIL

1. Very few sound research based empirical studies have been done so far to prove the benefit of this approach.
2. It requires great amount of conscious learning on the part of the teachers.
3. Lack of CLIL training for teachers
4. There is doubt regarding how appreciation of literature and culture can be developed through a second language as the CLIL claims
5. CLIL may benefit only those students who have good knowledge of the language previously.
6. Teachers’ reluctance to integrate materials from the content and language areas. It is often opposed by both subject and language teachers.
7. Teachers’ lack of content and language knowledge affects CLIL success.
8. There is every chance that subject will be focused and the language element gets side-lined
9. The existing examination systems are primarily content oriented.
10. It may lead to lower levels of content knowledge acquired by learners