A new bilingual teaching model for health studies: Based on the experiential learning theory (ELT) and the content and language integrated learning approach (CLIL)

• Main Authors: Samawathdana, Rungrawee, Chinokul, Sumalee, Wattanaburanon, Aimutcha
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: LB Theory and practice of education
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/1975/1/LLL_-_T4_-_01.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/1975/; http://3linc.uum.edu.my/
• Institution: Universiti Utara Malaysia

The purpose of this study is to describe the development of a new bilingual instructional model for Health Studies in a Thai secondary school. It is recognized that Health Studies is one of the most difficult subjects for the bilingual students within an L1 environment; the main obstacle being the complicated English topical terminology that is used. Therefore, it made sense that a new instructional model, which incorporated Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) and Content and Language Integrated Learning Approach (CLIL), should be developed. Consequently, in an attempt to promote more effective bilingual learning, this model is now in an experimental stage. The model is named "HEC" (A new Health Studies module based on the Experiential Learning Theory and the Content and Language Integrated Learning Approach). So far the student response has been positive in both their attitude to learning and their task performance. HEC has been evaluated by focusing on several different aspects of the model and by using a questionnaire employing a 5-point Likert scale; this was then analysed by seven qualified experts with an average result of 4.87. It is hoped that this HEC model will contribute to the development of an innovative and effective bilingual teaching model within an L1 environment.