CLIL IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is an innovative approach to teaching a foreign language that is gaining popularity in educational systems worldwide. Its essence lies in the fact that students simultaneously study academic disciplines and English, which serves as a means of transferring this knowledge. The article aims to analyze the use of the Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) method in teaching English in an educational context, the impact of CLIL on the student’s linguistic identity, and the identification of the advantages and challenges of its implementation in higher education institutions. The subject of the study is CLIL in teaching English, its impact on the development of students’ linguistic and subject competencies, and factors affecting the effectiveness of the implementation of this method in Ukrainian universities. The object of the study is the process of teaching English and subject disciplines using the CLIL method in the context of the Ukrainian educational system. Advantages of using integrated content and language learning are the development of language skills, increased motivation, improved academic performance, formation of intercultural competence, and preparation for a globalized world. Challenges are the level of foreign language proficiency of both students and teachers, limited educational resources, and the need to integrate methods that would develop language and cognitive skills simultaneously. Despite these challenges, higher education institutions that successfully implement CLIL can receive significant benefits, as they have the opportunity to study a foreign language in the context of real, meaningful topics, which increases both students’ motivation and learning effectiveness. This approach also helps students develop language skills simultaneously with subject knowledge that has practical value in real life. The prospect of further research is to study the long-term effects of CLIL on students’ career prospects.