WHY INTRODUCING VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT CHANGES EVERYTHING IN CLIL
Imagine this: you give your students a list of ten new words. They memorize them for a day or two… and then they forget most of them. Sound familiar?
This is exactly why, in CLIL teaching (Content and Language Integrated Learning), how we introduce vocabulary is just as important as what we introduce. Words alone are not enough. Students need context, meaning, and connection to really make language their own.
Context Makes Vocabulary Come Alive
Vocabulary isn’t just a label—it’s a tool for thinking, reasoning, and communicating. When we embed new words in stories, images, experiments, or real-life situations, students start to understand why the words matter, not just what they mean.
Here’s why this is crucial:
- Deep understanding: Students don’t just memorize words—they learn when, why, and how to use them.
- Engagement: Words tied to curiosity, visuals, or hands-on experiences capture attention.
- Retention: Vocabulary connected to meaningful experiences sticks far longer than isolated lists.
- Integration of language and content: Students see that language is not separate from the subject—it’s the way they think, explain, and interact with content.
Examples That Work in the Classroom
- Science: Before teaching evaporation, I show a cup of hot tea and ask, “What happens to the steam?” Students’ own observations generate the vocabulary naturally.
- History: Instead of giving dates or terms upfront, I present a historical image or anecdote. Students discover key terms as they explore the story.
- Geography: Hands-on maps, real-world problems, or field observations introduce vocabulary while students actively reason and explore.
- Language lessons: Dialogues, role-plays, or authentic scenarios help students encounter words in meaningful, memorable ways.
The CLIL Advantage
In CLIL, language is the tool for learning content, not an end in itself. Introducing vocabulary in context from the start transforms lessons from memorization exercises into experiences of discovery and understanding. Students don’t just remember words—they think, connect, and communicate through them.
Putting vocabulary in context is more than a teaching strategy—it’s a way to empower students, deepen learning, and make CLIL truly effective.
Making CLIL Truly Effective
In CLIL, language is a tool for learning content, not an end in itself. Presenting vocabulary in context ensures that students see how language and subject knowledge work together from the very beginning. It transforms learning into a meaningful experience rather than a memorization exercise.
When vocabulary is contextualized, students don’t just remember words—they understand concepts, make connections, and gain confidence in using the language. This is what makes CLIL teaching not only effective but truly transformative.
Take a moment to think about your last lesson:
- Were your students truly engaged with new vocabulary, or just memorizing words?
- How could introducing context transform their learning next time?
🍀Share in the comments below.
