Feasibility and Effectiveness of Integrating Content and Language in English Teaching in Japan

In the last couple of years, an advanced model of language instruction integrating language and content (e.g., content and language integrated learning [CLIL]) has been increasingly popular in second language (L2) classrooms in Japan. However, the effectiveness and feasibility of the method have not been fully examined in terms of L2 development and school curriculum policies. Based on the paper presented in a graduate course “Content-Based L2 Learning” at McGill University, this paper will initially demonstrate the characteristics of content and language integrated programs (e.g., CLIL, CBLT). Then the current educational policies of Japanese government and immersion and bilingual programs at secondary school level and university level will be examined. Finally, by proposing instructional models to implement content and language effectively in L2 classrooms, benefits and concerns regarding the implementation of such kind of programs will be discussed