Aston Centre for Applied Linguistics Unveils Report Urging Comprehensive School-Wide Enhancement in Language-Based Learning
The Aston Centre for Applied Linguistics (ACAL) has unveiled a report calling for a whole school improvement in learning through languages at the ESRC Festival of Social Science at Aston University.
As part of the Festival, the Centre conducted three engaging content and language integrated learning (CLIL) sessions for teachers, conducted on 4, 11 and 13 November. These sessions marked ACAL’s ongoing commitment to innovative educational practices.
CLIL has become the umbrella term describing both learning another subject such as physics or geography through the medium of a foreign language and learning a foreign language by studying a content-based subject.
ACAL used the events to unveil a comprehensive report titled Learning Through Languages: a strategy for whole school improvement. This report aligns with Aston’s 2030 Strategy, emphasising the role of CLIL in fostering inclusive education.
ACAL, since its initiation of CLIL activities in 2018, in partnership with Judith Woodfield, former headteacher at Bordesley Green Girl School, has been a frontrunner in this field. It formed a consortium of researchers, teachers and cultural institutes, leading to the creation of Learning through Languages UK. Since 2020, ACAL has been hosting CLIL Mondays, monthly online seminars featuring leading CLIL scholars and school practitioners, attracting participants from over 30 countries.
The report, authored by Judith Woodfield with a contextual preface by Professor Do Coyle, is a result of a longitudinal study across three Midlands schools, spanning 18 years. It highlights the positive impact of CLIL on student progress and attainment, including substantial improvements in student performance, boosting inclusivity and results and closing the education gap.
Dr Emmanuelle Labeau, director of ACAL at Aston University, said:
“Judith Woodfield’s report is a pioneering longitudinal study demonstrating the benefits of CLIL in promoting inclusion and boosting overall academic achievement.
“CLIL is not just an excellent method for stimulating language interest; it is a vital tool for inclusive education, resonating with the Aston 2030 strategy.”
“This report and the successful CLIL sessions mark a significant milestone in ACAL’s journey towards enhancing educational strategies and inclusivity, further establishing its role as a leader in applied linguistics and education.