Creativity, Communication and CLIL (Taormina, Italy)

I participated in a course called Creativity, Communication and CLIL by Carob Institute. It was organised in Taormina, Italy on 29.4.-3.5.2024. The course was mainly about teaching English. Luckily, the CLIL and personal language development components brought together teachers working in many different subjects with their learners ranging from early education to university level. Our group had eight teachers from Spain, two from France, and two from Poland. I was the only Finnish person. 

Admiring Mount Etna

 

Visiting Gole Alcantara

We started by getting to know each other (and also easing into using English as the main language of communication) at a lovely welcome dinner on Sunday. The actual lessons took place from Monday to Friday, always ending with a lunch together in the afternoon. We also spent most evenings together, even when there wasn't an official social or cultural activity scheduled after the lessons. So we really took full advantage of the wonderful opportunity provided by Erasmus + courses to get to know teachers from other European countries, discuss the similarities and differences in our schools, develop our language skills and explore beautiful Sicily. Learning with this enthusiastic and attentive group was such a pleasure!

Getting ready for a communicative activity

 

From the objectives of our school, my needs were mostly aligned with strengthening the international competence of our staff and students. As an English teacher, it is important to keep up my own language skills, and to find new international contacts. I also find that getting fresh ideas for teaching and especially having the time to stop, discuss and reflect supports wellbeing at work. The course met these needs very well. 

There was an abundance of activities for various aspects of language learning, with a slight emphasis on speaking. Differentiated instruction was also included and our group provided plenty of chances to observe it in action. One exercise type was "Show and tell". It was not really new for me, but participating in a learner role reminded me of the power of these quite simple exercises. For example, we were asked to choose three pictures of something important to us. The pictures were shown and discussed in small groups. The personal aspect of your memories and experiences boost participation, enhance social cohesion and reinforce learning. All in all, I was very pleased with the course. I will take many activities back to my classroom and look forward to future cooperation with the other attendants. 

Happy attendants at the end of the course