THE CORE FEATURES OF CLIL AND THE IMPORTANCE OF INCLUDING THEM IN THE TEACHING REPERTOIRE

Let me start by defining CLIL, CLIL is an approach for learning content through an additional language, usually foreign language, thus teaching both the subject and the language.

It is important to say that CLIL method has different features. Firstly, it has a multiple focus because integration exists between content and language and among different subjects.

Secondly, it is creating a safe and enriching learning environment. As well as, an active learning is promoted by cooperative work or when students help set content, language and learning skills outcomes. Another feature is the authenticity because CLIL activities have a connection in the students' lives as well as connections with other speakers of the CLIL language. In the same vein, teachers challenge students to take another step in their knowledge fostering creating and critical thinking. And finally, this method involves parents or the local community so cooperation is another feature.

For all of these things it is really important to include them in the teaching repertoire. CLIL lessons diversify methods and forms of classroom teaching and learning and provide effective opportunities for pupils to use their new language skills now, rather than learn them now for use later. Consequently, motivation of student increases and this enable them to progress more quickly. Besides, it often involves using real resources from the country whose language is being learnt and discussing other points of view and so can contribute to intercultural understanding.

As far as I am concerned, CLIL method develops multilingual interests and attitudes and also it prepares students for future studies and working life.

THE BEST TEACHER I HAVE EVER HAD

Let me start by saying that there have been many teachers who have influenced in my life. Many of those people were teachers that I have had from Kindergarten to the present time. If I had to choose one who has had the greatest influence, it would have to be Rosa. She gave me class during three courses in Primary Education.

As far as I am concerned, she wasn’t the typical teacher who taught magisterial classes in which the main objective was to memorize. Also, she provided us a shared context for people to communicate and share information, stories, and personal experiences in a way that builds understanding and insight.

I always remember that she has the ability to make something that many students find incredibly boring come to life through her enthusiasm and passion for teaching. Furthermore, I was delighted with her because in her classes was impossible to get bored due to the methodology was very active and she encourages cooperation between ourselves.

She set an example for us and we see her as a person with confidence and we follow her lead and fell comfortable thusting her. She form strong relationships with our and our families and she was very interested in the problems that we have in our lives. In daily situations, she not only was accessible, creative, empathetic, warm...but also enthusiastic, generous, caring and be open to staying at school after-hours to help her students. More than a teacher she was a guide to our lives.

It is important to say that she influences me to read books. The reason of this is because she always said that books open doors to new experiences and she encourages us to read a book every fortnight. She dedicates one hour a week to get out the class and we used to sit in the garden to read alone or in small groups. This gave us the opportunity to be better at grammar, spelling and vocabulary. Let me conclude by saying that now, thanks to her, I read because I enjoy it and I like to becoming part of the story or adventure. The topic of the book it doesn't matter I am pleased with it because Rosa always says that variety is the spice of the life and we have to read all kinds of books to learn something from all of them.