Article published In: Journal of Immersion and Content-Based Language Education
Vol. 11:2 (2023) ► pp.229–254
CLIL teacher beliefs as they emerge working in tandem
Published online: 14 September 2023
https://doi.org/10.1075/jicb.22001.ala
https://doi.org/10.1075/jicb.22001.ala
Abstract
The current article investigates the beliefs of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) subject and language
teacher tandems in a situation where they worked in close contact to design and deliver a CLIL course. The aim was to discover their
underlying beliefs concerning setting learning goals, developing academic language proficiency, using authentic materials and cooperative
tasks, and managing assessment. The Interpretative Phenomenological Approach revealed both overlapping and idiosyncratic beliefs involving
all of the focal aspects. Common beliefs included the dominance of subject learning goals over language goals, the need to develop academic
language proficiency, the use of authentic materials and cooperative tasks as sources of subject knowledge and skills, as well as the need
to involve appropriate assessment in the process. Differences included flexibility in the process of goal setting, the definition of
academic language proficiency, the meaning of authentic learning materials and the repertoire of tools available for scaffolding learning
and managing assessment.
Keywords: CLIL, teacher tandem, teacher beliefs, co-teaching, collaboration
Annotatsioon
Käesolev artikkel uurib lõimitud aine- ja keeleõppe (LAK-õppe) tandemõpetajate uskumusi olukorras, kus nimetatud õpetajad
töötavad ühiselt LAK-õppe kursuse väljatöötamisel ja läbiviimisel. Uuringu eesmärgiks oli nende õpetajate LAK-õppe õpieesmärkide püstitamist,
akadeemilise keeleoskuse edendamist, autentsete õppematerjalide ja ülesannete kasutamist, koostööd ja hindamist puudutavate uskumiste
leidmine. Interpreteeriv fenomenoloogiline analüüs näitas, et aineõpetajate ja keeleõpetajate analüüsitavaid aspekte puudutavad uskumused
kohati kattuvad, kuid lähevad paljudes aspektides lahku. Ühisosasse kuulusid aine sisu puudutavate õpieesmärkide dominantsus, õpilaste
akadeemilise keeleoskuse arendamise vajadus, autentsete materjalide ja koosõppeliste ülesannete kasutamine aine sisu ja oskuste edendamiseks
ning asjakohaste hindamisvõtete kasutamine. Erinevusi ilmnes õppe eesmärgistamisprotsessi paindlikkuses, akadeemilise keeleoskuse
defineerimises, autentsete õppematerjalide tähenduse interpretatsioonis ning õpetamist ja hindamist toetava metoodika valdamises.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Theoretical background
- 2.1CLIL teacher identity
- 2.2CLIL teacher beliefs
- 2.3CLIL tandem teacher collaboration
- 2.4CLIL essential aspects in focus in the current study
- 3.Methods
- 3.1Context of the study
- 3.2Participants
- 3.3Data collection and analysis
- 4.Findings: The phenomenological perspective
- 4.1Setting learning goals
- 4.2Attaining academic language proficiency
- 4.3Promoting collaborative learning
- 4.4Using authentic materials and authentic learning tasks
- 4.5Managing Assessment
- 5.Discussion
- 5.1The hermeneutic perspective
- 5.2The idiographic perspective
- 6.Conclusion
References
References (65)
Aguirregoitia Martinez, A., Bengoetxea Kortazar, K., & Gonzalez-Dios, I. (2021). Are CLIL texts too complicated? A computational analysis of their linguistic characteristics. Journal of Immersion and Content-Based Language Education, 9(1), 4–30.
Ainley, J., & Carstens, R. (2018). Teaching and learning international survey (TALIS) 2018 conceptual framework. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Andrews, S., & Lin, A. M. (2017). Language awareness and teacher development. In P. Garret & J. M. Cots (eds.), The Routledge handbook of language awareness (pp. 57–74). Routledge.
Aruvee, M., & Puksand, H. (2019). Kirjaoskuse arendamine eesti keele ja kirjanduse õpetajate vaatevinklist: Sillad ja kuristikud teooria ja praktika vahel. [Developing literacy in Estonian as L1: bridges and gaps]. Eesti Haridusteaduste Ajakiri. Estonian Journal of Education, 2(7), 154–180.
Barrios, E., & Milla Lara, M. D. (2020). CLIL methodology, materials and resources, and assessment in a monolingual context: An analysis of stakeholders’ perceptions in Andalusia. The Language Learning Journal, 48(1), 60–80.
Beijaard, D., Meijer, P. C., & Verloop, N. (2004). Reconsidering research on teachers’ professional identity. Teaching and Teacher Education, 20(2), 107–128.
Biesta, G., Priestley, M., & Robinson, S. (2015). The role of beliefs in teacher agency. Teachers and Teaching, 21(6), 624–640.
Borg, S. (2017). Teachers’ beliefs and classroom practices. In P. Garret & J. M. Cots (eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Language Awareness, 75–91.
Bovellan, E. (2014). Teachers’ beliefs about learning and language as reflected in their views of teaching materials for Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL). Doctoral Dissertation Jyväskylä Studies in Humanities, 2311, 1–244. [URL]
Castillo Losada, C. A., Insuasty, E. A., & Jaime Osorio, M. F. (2017). The impact of authentic materials and tasks on students’ communicative competence at a Colombian language school. Profile: Issues in Teachers’ Professional Development, 19(1), 89–104.
Cenoz, J., Genesee, F., & Gorter, D. (2014). Critical analysis of CLIL: Taking stock and looking forward. Applied Linguistics, 35(3), 243–262.
Cook, L., & Friend, M. (2017). Co-teaching: Guidelines for creating effective practices. Focus on Exceptional Children, 28(3). 1–16.
Council of Europe. (2020). Common European framework of reference for languages: Learning, teaching, assessment: Companion volume. Council of Europe Publishing, Strasbourg, available at [URL]
Coyle, D. (2007). Content and language integrated learning: Towards a connected research agenda for CLIL pedagogies. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 10(5), 543–562.
Coyle, D., Hood, P., & Marsh, D. (2010). CLIL: Content and language integrated learning. Cambridge University Press.
Coyle, Y., & Roca de Larios, J. (2020). Exploring young learners’ engagement with models as a written corrective technique in EFL and CLIL settings. System, 951, 102374.
Cummins, J. (2013). BICS and CALP: Empirical support, theoretical status, and policy implications of a controversial distinction. In M. R. Hawkins (Ed.) Framing Languages and Literacies: Socially Situated Views and Perspectives (pp. 20–33). Routledge.
Dale, L., & Tanner, R. (2012). CLIL activities with CD-ROM: A resource for subject and language teachers. Cambridge University Press.
Dale, L., Oostdam, R., & Verspoor, M. (2017). Searching for identity and focus: Towards an analytical framework for language teachers in bilingual education. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 21(3), 366–383.
Dalton-Puffer, C. (2013). A construct of cognitive discourse functions for conceptualising content-language integration in CLIL and multilingual education. European Journal of Applied Linguistics, 1(2), 216–253.
de Graaff, R., Jan Koopman, G., Anikina, Y., & Westhoff, G. (2007). An observation tool for effective L2 pedagogy in content and language integrated learning (CLIL). International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 10(5), 603–624.
Escobar Urmeneta, C. (2020). Coteaching in CLIL in Catalonia. CLIL Journal of Innovation and Research in Plurilingual and Pluricultural Education, 3(2), 37–55.
Fernández-Sanjurjo, J., Fernández-Costales, A., & Arias Blanco, J. M. (2017). Analysing students’ content-learning in science in CLIL vs. non-CLIL programmes: Empirical evidence from Spain. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 22(6), 661–674.
Freeman, S., Eddy, S. L., McDonough, M., Smith, M. K., Okoroafor, N., Jordt, H., and Wenderoth, M. P. (2014). Active learning increases student performance in science, engineering, and mathematics. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 1111, 8410–8415.
Haridussilm. (2022). Statistical Database of Education in Estonia. Retrieved from [URL]
HTM (Estonian Ministry of Education and Research). (2019). Availability of international general education in Estonia. [URL]
. (2022). Transition to instruction in the national language. [URL]
He, P., & Lin, A. M. (2018). Becoming a “language-aware” content teacher: Content and language integrated learning (CLIL) teacher professional development as a collaborative, dynamic, and dialogic process. Journal of Immersion and Content-Based Language Education, 6(2), 162–188.
Honigsfeld, A., & Dove, M. G. (2016). Co-teaching ELLs: Riding a tandem bike. Educational Leadership, 73(4), 56–60.
Hüttner, J., Dalton-Puffer, C., & Smit, U. (2013). The power of beliefs: Lay theories and their influence on the implementation of CLIL programmes. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 16(3), 267–284.
Johnson, D. W., Johnson, R. T., & Stanne, M. B. (2000). Cooperative learning methods: A meta-analysis. University of Minnesota
Kagan, D. M. (1992). Implication of research on teacher belief. Educational Psychologist, 27(1), 65–90.
Karabassova, L. (2018). Teachers’ conceptualization of content and language integrated learning (CLIL): Evidence from a trilingual context. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 25(3) 1–13.
Karjalainen, K., Pörn, M., Rusk, F., & Björkskog, L. (2013). Classroom tandem: Outlining a model for language learning and ınstruction. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 6(1), 165–184.
Kelchtermans, G. (2006). Teacher collaboration and collegiality as workplace conditions. A review. Zeitschrift für Pädagogik, 52(2), 220–237.
Kötter, M. (2002). Tandem learning on the internet: Learner interactions in virtual online environments (MOOs). Peter Lang Edition.
Laal, M., & Ghodsi, S. M. (2012). Benefits of collaborative learning. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 311, 486–490.
Ljalikova, A., Meristo, M., Alas, E., & Jung, M. (2021). Narrative analysis as a means of investigating CLIL teachers’ meaningful experiences. Qualitative Research in Education, 10(3), 228–259.
Lo, Y. Y., & Fung, D. (2018). Assessments in CLIL: The interplay between cognitive and linguistic demands and their progression in secondary education. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 23(10), 1192–1210.
Maljers, A., & Wolff, D. (2007). Windows on CLIL: Content and language integrated learning in the European spotlight. European Platform for Dutch Education.
Massler, U., Stotz, D., & Queisser, C. (2014). Assessment instruments for primary CLIL: The conceptualisation and evaluation of test tasks. The Language Learning Journal, 42(2), 137–150.
Mehisto, P., & Ting, Y. L. T. (2017). CLIL essentials for secondary school teachers. Cambridge University Press.
Met, M. (1999). Reports content-based instruction: Defining terms, making decisions. DC: NFLC Reports. The National Foreign Language Center.
Meyer, O., & Coyle, D. (2017). Pluriliteracies teaching for learning: Conceptualizing progression for deeper learning in literacies development. European Journal of Applied Linguistics, 5(2), 199–222.
Moje, E. B. (2008). Responsive literacy teaching in secondary school content areas. In M. W. Conley (Ed.), Meeting the challenge of adolescent literacy: Research we have, research we need (pp. 58–87). Guilford Press.
Nikula, T., Dafouz, E., Moore, P., & Smit, U. (Eds.) (2016). Conceptualising integration in CLIL and multilingual education. Multilingual Matters.
Nisbett, R. E., & Ross, L. (1985). Human inference: Strategies and shortcomings of social judgment. Prentice-Hall.
Pajares, M. F. (1992). Teachers’ beliefs and educational research: Cleaning up a messy construct. Review of Educational Research, 62(3), 307–332.
Pappa, S. (2018). “You’ve got the color, but you don’t have the shades”: Primary education CLIL teachers’ identity negotiation within the Finnish context. Jyväskylä Studies in Education, Psychology and Social Research, 6191, 1–179.
Pelz, M. (1995). Die 5. Internationalen Tandem-Tage in Freiburg i. Br. In M. Pelz (Ed.), Tandem in der Lehrerbildung, Tandem und grenzüberschreitende Projekte. Dokumentation der 5. Internationalen Tandem-Tage 1994 in Freiburg i. Br. (pp. 5–8). Verlag für Interkulturelle Kommunikation.
Pinner, R. (2013). Authenticity and CLIL: Examining authenticity from an international CLIL perspective. International CLIL Research Journal, 2(1), 44–54. [URL]
Shulman, L. (1987). Knowledge and teaching: Foundations of the new reform. Harvard educational review, 57(1), 1–23.
Shaw, R., Burton, A., Xuereb, C. B., Gibson, J., & Lane, D. (2014). Interpretative phenomenological analysis in applied health research. SAGE Publications, Ltd.
Skinnari, K., & Bovellan, E. (2016). CLIL teachers’ beliefs about integration and about their professional roles: Perspectives from a European context. In T. Nikula, E. Dafouz, P. Moore, & U. Smit (eds.), Conceptualising Integration in CLIL and Multilingual Education (145–168). Multilingual Matters.
Smith, J. A., Flowers, P., & Larkin, M. (2012). Interpretative phenomenological analysis: Theory, method and research. Sage.
Tulviste, T., & Ahtonen, M. (2007). Child-rearing values of Estonian and Finnish mothers and fathers. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 38(2), 137–155.
Tulviste, T., Mizera, L., De Geer, B., & Tryggvason, M. T. (2007). Child-rearing goals of Estonian, Finnish, and Swedish mothers. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 48(6), 487–497.
van Kampen, E., Meirink, J., Admiraal, W., & Berry, A. (2017). Do we all share the same goals for content and language integrated learning (CLIL)? Specialist and practitioner perceptions of ‘ideal’ CLIL pedagogies in the Netherlands. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 23(8), 855–871.
Vangrieken, K., Dochy, F., Raes, E., & Kyndt, E. (2015). Teacher collaboration: A systematic review. Educational Research Review, 151, 17–40.
Cited by (1)
Cited by one other publication
This list is based on CrossRef data as of 13 november 2025. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers. Any errors therein should be reported to them.
