ASL2. Service-learning through interactive groups to teach EFL and CLIL subjects in Primary Education

Abstract

Interactive groups belong to a strategy of Learning Communities which promotes pupils’ full participation, divided into smaller groups, under an adult’s guidance. Although research has proven the importance of this method for different aspects of education, little attention has been paid to this strategy in the context of foreign languages and bilingual education. Considering this, the present paper has two main aims: first, to show the origin, evolution and results of a service-learning project carried out at a Faculty of Education; and second, to delve into the contribution of this strategy to the teaching of language and CLIL areas and the acquisition of key competences as well as the convenience of including it in future teachers’ training. For that, both classroom action research and the qualitative or interpretative method have been employed. The results will show that these experiences are motivating and fruitful for initial teachers’ training. The reflection on the project’s success will also suggest other improvement measures to be taken in future editions regarding the professor, the students and the school and pupils. Finally, the relevant role interactive groups play for a diverse pluricultural and plurilingual society will be also reflected.