Applying CLIL to English language teaching in Thailand: Issues and challenges

Khwanchit Suwannoppharat; Sumalee Chinokul

doi:10.5294/3163

Authors

Khwanchit Suwannoppharat Author English as an International Language Program, Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Phatumwan, Bangkok Thailand 10330
Sumalee Chinokul Author Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5294/3163

Keywords:

aprendizaje integrado de contenidos y lenguas extranjeras (AICLE), comunicación en inglés, enseñanza y aprendizaje de idiomas, contexto del inglés como lengua extranjera.

Abstract

Most countries in the world have been influenced by the trends of globalization and interculturality; accordingly, the English language and related cultures have come to play more important roles in global communication. Educational research, a primary source for language teaching and learning development, has increasingly emphasized the importance of integrating language and culture in teaching and learning processes. However, it is not easy for students who use English as a foreign language (EFL) to speak English fluently in an environment where English is rarely used outside the classroom. Teachers nevertheless try to find out the most appropriate teaching approach to develop their students’ English skills in order to serve the demands for English in the labor markets. This article discusses the application of CLIL in an EFL context—a case study in Thailand—with an emphasis on explanation of CLIL framework and principles and how these are implemented in Thailand as guidelines for developing EFL courses or curriculum. Both advantages and disadvantages of applying CLIL are examined and the difficulties of applying CLIL in the classroom are clarified to help EFL teachers plan their courses more effectively.

Key words: Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), English communication, language teaching and learning, EFL context

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Author Biographies

Khwanchit Suwannoppharat, English as an International Language Program, Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Phatumwan, Bangkok Thailand 10330

Khwanchit Suwannoppharat is presently a part-time English Lecturer at Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus, Thailand. She holds a Ph.D. in English as an International Language from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand and an M.Ed. in TESOL from Universiti Sains Malaysia (Gelugor, Malaysia).

Sumalee Chinokul, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University

Sumalee Chinokul is Director of the Master of Education in English as a Foreign Language international program of the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University (Bangkok, Thailand). She holds a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from the University of Sydney (Australia) and an M.A. in English for Non-native Speakers from the University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg, USA)

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