Developing a motivating CLIL based approach to teaching literature to promote communicative competence, content competence and a global mindset

2023 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K00783
• Research Institution: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
• Principal Investigator: PATTISON Steven 立命館アジア太平洋大学, 言語教育センター, 教授 (40550398)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 小島 直子 立命館大学, 政策科学部, 准教授 (80624890) ; レッドリック ジェレミー 藤女子大学, 文学部, 准教授 (90646259)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2026-03-31
• Keywords: CLIL / Engagement / CEFR / Language / Literature / Communicative competence

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

Our AY2023 activities include the following. 1.Submitted a manuscript titled Combining CEFR and 4C CLIL Frameworks for Principled Literature in Language Teaching to a peer-reviewed journal which was accepted in March 2024 for publication in April 2024.2.Compiled a comprehensive bibliography of research on literature and language teaching and learning, CLIL, student engagement. Conducted qualitative data analysis using the software ATLAS.ti.3.Submitted a presentation proposal titled “Maximizing Student Engagement in a Literature in CLIL Course” to the Japan Association for Language Teaching conference 2024. 4.Consulted with an expert on CEFR to help us use the CEFR as a framework effectively. 5.One Co-I attended conferences in Europe to learn more about CLIL.

Current Status of Research Progress

3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.

Reason

Our progress in AY2023 was slowed by the change in working conditions of the Principal Investigator who had to adjust to an increase in workload and responsibility after becoming English Director at their university. Nevertheless, through attendance at conferences, consultations with an expert in CEFR, and the publication of a paper, we were able to deepen and refine our knowledge in key areas of our project, enabling us to develop a solid framework to move forwards with. Moreover, it was possible to learn more about the needs of students in terms of text selection and trial new texts in the classroom. This is a central factor in terms of the 4Cs of CLIL and promoting engagement. Hence, although progress was more modest than we had hoped, some positive progress has been made.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

In AY2024 we plan to submit a paper to a respected peer-review journal on literature and language teaching and learning, CLIL, and student engagement. In addition we hope to present our research on “Maximizing Student Engagement in a Literature in CLIL Course” at the Japan Association for Language Teaching conference 2024. To support these two aims, we will continue to collect and analyze data collected from students taking our courses, primarily on their engagement in the courses, their language learning experiences, motivations for taking the course, and responses to the texts. Moreover, we will continue to explore the use of CLIL principles in the development of language and literature courses by visiting universities to observe CLIL classes and consult with experts in the field.

Causes of Carryover

Due to work commitments it was not possible to plan visits to other universities for observation of CLIL classes. In addition, less funds than expected were used to purchase the analysis software and books. If the unused funds are carried over to AY2024, they will be used to visit a two or more universities with an established background in CLIL in order to observe classes and consult with experts in the field. Moreover, additional resources will be purchased to support our research.