CLIL AS AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH: LEARNING BIOLOGY THROUGH ENGLISH

Abstract

Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) is widely used in multilingual educational environments as a method that combines subject instruction with foreign language use. In CLIL classrooms, academic content is taught through a second language, allowing learners to develop disciplinary knowledge and language competence simultaneously and this study aims to investigate how CLIL principles are implemented in biology instruction in NIS classrooms. However, given article examines the application of CLIL in biology classes taught in English, the research focuses on classroom practices implemented in Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS) in Kazakhstan, where several science subjects are taught through English. The paper analyzes the theoretical principles of CLIL and describes teaching strategies used to integrate biological content with language development. Particular attention is given to the acquisition of subject-specific vocabulary and the use of English for explaining biological processes and scientific concepts. The study is based on a review of CLIL-related literature and classroom observations conducted in biology lessons delivered in English in NIS schools. The analysis focuses on how instructional practices support students’ comprehension of biological concepts and their ability to communicate scientific knowledge in English. The results indicate that integrating biology instruction with English-medium communication helps students expand their scientific vocabulary and participate more actively in classroom discussions. At the same time, differences in language proficiency may influence students’ comprehension of complex scientific explanations. For this reason, effective CLIL instruction requires structured linguistic support and carefully designed learning tasks. The findings suggest that CLIL can support interdisciplinary learning in biology education when language scaffolding and subject-focused instruction are carefully balanced.