Teaching and learning science in context

Abstract

The aim of this study is the design of the teaching and learning process of science activities on the circulatory system. Due to the expansion of the EU and the diversity of languages in Europe, the European Commission has been promoting a multilingual and multicultural Europe. For this reason, there is a greater need for the development of communicative competence in Primary Education, and bilingual education is an ideal way to promote this goal.

Following CLIL approach, Content and Language Integrated Learning, English as a Second Language is used as a medium to teach subject matter content. CLIL consists of a variety of methods used to integrate content and language and it serves to develop knowledge of the subject as well as to improve students’ competency in English. Through innovative methods, it allows the recognition of meaning and the use of meaningful language in a particular context. Applying CLIL involved the preparation of specific materials for 49 Spanish students divided in two groups in year 6 of Primary Education in Spain.

The involvement of students in the learning process and their interaction is an essential aspect of this study. This involvement was even enhanced by means 

of the use of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) in the classroom and by the students’ active participation in the activities carried out along the process, which fostered motivation, a relaxed setting, teamwork and collaboration in a meaningful context. The materials and suggestions presented here also aim to be a support for bilingual teachers by providing a selection of activities and educational resources for their professional development.