When integrating content and second languages in your class you probably encounter several challenges to address, such as the lack of ability of your learners to communicate among them when working in groups, the learning and application of content-specific vocabulary, catering for different target language abilities and students´ low levels of motivation in your class.

CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) is a methodology for designing lessons that elements of second language teaching and learning with content. When teaching CLIL is very common to do projects, since they simulate real life experiences where you use the target language and the apply the content learnt into practice in a very organic way. One way to make these projects more rigorous and effective in CLIL contexts is to use Project-Based Language Learning (PBLL).

PBLL gives you many opportunities for authentic communication in the target language while working on the topic specific content (art, sciences, history, social sciences, etc…). It integrates content, language, and skills and promotes the integrative use of the four main communicative skills: writing, reading, listening and speaking skills. It can significantly improve the willingness to speak, the authenticity of experience, and language skills. PBLL provides a meaningful an authentic goal for students to work on content and skills for an extended period, which results in more engagement.

In this course you will explore practical ways in which you can create and implement PBLL units in your CLIL context. You will discover the similarities between CLIL and PBLL and how they can work together for an enhanced learning experience. You will learn about a PBLL framework, the steps to follow to design a PBLL unit, how to facilitate the learning of concrete vocabulary and content, how to scaffold teamwork and the production by students of learning deliverables. You will also have access to curated resources and selected examples to take home and continue learning.

By the end of the course, you will be able to design and facilitate PBLL units in your CLIL class with success, promoting deeper learning, 21st century skills and higher levels of student engagement.