What key stakeholders think about CLIL programmes: Commonalities and differences of perspective

Abstract

This study aims to critically discuss some of the most controversial issues affecting the characterisation and implementation practices of CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) programmes from key stakeholders’ perspective (teachers, learners and parents). The focus will be placed on examining their voices on what CLIL education actually means, its alleged potential benefits in terms of enhanced L2 competence and increased L2 exposure and use, whether content knowledge is improved by CLIL instruction, whether content is emphasised over language in CLIL assessment and, lastly, whether teachers and learners feel motivated and satisfied with the CLIL experience. With this in mind, and based on methodological triangulation, this paper follows a mixed-method research design for investigating the commonalities and differences of perspective. While all stakeholders agree with the alleged benefits of CLIL in terms of enhanced language competence, surprisingly not all think the same about the need for more L2 exposure and use in bilingual classes and whether content knowledge is improved by CLIL instruction. On the whole, CLIL is positively evaluated by all stakeholders, provided these educational programmes are well articulated and effectively implemented in practice, although there is always room for further quality improvement and teacher training, according to teachers.