ConBaT+ : adding a plurilingual/cultural dimension to content-based teaching

This article reports on the development and results of the European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) project ConBaT+ (2008-2011). The main objective of the approach promoted in the project is to complement and enrich content and language integrated learning (CLIL) teaching with plurilingualism and plurilculturalism. Following the views of the Council of Europe, this article argues for an educational reform based on intercultural learning and understanding, taking into account the diversity of languages and cultures in the classroom. Awareness of language and languages is enhanced not only through the observation and comparison of numerous languages but also by the analysis of the influence of languages and cultures on conceptual development in all subjects throughout the curriculum. Following the development of a rationale for the approach, we present the components and impact of an integrated languageS-sensitive pedagogy in CLIL classes. The review also includes the results of the survey carried out in the European countries where the project was implemented as well as samples of the teaching material produced by participants and compiled in the publication.