Dear Kawa Sherwani,

Generally speaking,  attitude is a central affective variable which plays a pivotal role in students' language learning . The reason is that having a positive attitude towards language learning is a significant motivational factor and a valuable driving force in the language learning process. As you have rightly observed, Content Integrated Language Learning (CLIL) works very effectively for students in medical schools and departments because they are  different from students in other majors in terms of attitude.

Best regards,

R. Biria 

Hi, Reza Biri,

Its very interesting to know the term  Content Integrated Language Learning (CLIL) , as I learn it from you now. What you said is absolutely right because the students should have the positive learning attitude so as to improve the speaking skills. In my opinion the above said points by you are applicable to non medical students also as such type of situations occur in vocational courses and other courses too.

With regards,

Pavani Sasidhar.

Dear P. Avula,

Because learning a language is a stressful activity, experts of the field have broached up the idea of CLIL in order to alleviate learners' level of stress by placing the language in the periphery and focusing on the subject that learners are learning in that language (e.g., English). The suggestion is supported by Cummins's (1981) CALP assisting BICS of the learners. High motivation of learners for mastering some content like geography as a requirement of the curriculum indirectly helps the development of language.

Best regards,

R. Biria

Dear  Kawa Sherwani,

In the case of Cuban medical students not all hold a positive attitude towards the English language. Some of them are very much motivated and see the language as an instrument, a tool for their future profession and learn the language with enthusiasm, but there are others who see the language as a waste of time, they do not pay much attention to the learning of the foreign language as a need, as an instrument for communication. They only attend lessons because it is a compulsory subject and they get the lower marks in their exams.

On the other hand, the English teachers do whatever thing possible to involve the students in the process of teaching and learning the foreign language. Activities and tasks are designed with medical purposes so the students have to use the language with a specific purpose. They have to speak, read, listen and write in the English language, and lessons are very much motivated.

Those who like English enjoy the lessons. Those who do not like it are demotivated.

Best regards,

Ildefonso