The Forging Links project: Knowledge transference using pre-service teachers’ CLIL units with ICT integration

Abstract

Knowledge about CLIL teaching approaches and the effective integration of ICT into learning processes seem paramount to the success of CLIL in different contexts. Nevertheless, research has shown that pre-service and in-service teachers feel unprepared for effective CLIL programme implementation. Recent research has pointed out that material design might be a successful way of improving knowledge and an aid to help teachers realise effective ICT integration efforts. This study reports on the results of a project which through the creation of specific materials for schools explores CLIL knowledge and ICT integration together with students’ perceptions in a pre-service teachers training programme. The instru-ments used were a survey and the didactic units created by students, which were analysed for the inclusion of all CLIL stages, ICT use and the dimensions of content targeted. Results indicate awareness of the stages needed to develop CLIL appropriately, and capacity to use ICT in all the stages and to integrate various dimensions of knowledge together with very positive perceptions, which support learning outcomes and point to increased motivation. Nevertheless, the tasks showed ample room for improvement, especially regarding the integration of language and more innovative uses of ICT.