A STEM CLIL Pilot Project in Ecuadorian High Schools

Abstract

Following changes to education regulations in Ecuador, schools have had to increase their English language teaching provision, and CLIL has become a core requirement. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of schools teaching STEM subjects in English to predominantly Spanish-speaking students. Oxford University Press commissioned materials to help support and market their English language STEM textbooks to Ecuadorian schools. Two STEM events were developed, a science show for younger students and a biology workshop for older students. Both projects were piloted successfully. The science shows were launched at four high schools, and the biology workshop was offered as a teacher training event. All of the pilot events were well-received. Unfortunately, the project is currently paused due to schools moving to virtual teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is hoped that it can be reinstated when schools fully return to in-person classes.