Money Basics: Overview of a Pilot CLIL Class for Advanced Learners

抄録

This pilot study was designed to help prepare students for their independent lives at university and thereafter with regards to financial knowledge. In order to meet the needs of learners who may not have a high level of English competency, a CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) approach was adopted. CLIL attempts to bridge the gap between language skills and subject-based learning. The current project engaged students in practical tasks related to the theme of money. Specifically, the instructors aimed to help learners make sense of the economic system and their role in it. Over the course of 10 weeks, the instructors introduced a number of basic financial topics such as investing and budgeting while providing ample support for language needs. The learners participated in individual, pair, and group tasks to become familiar with the subject matter and demonstrate their knowledge. At the end of the course, students gave a presentation on a money topic of their choice to deepen their understanding. Preliminary findings suggest that students enjoyed learning about money, and found topics covered in class to be relevant to their daily lives.