How to Plan a CLIL Lesson: TKT Unit 6 Fast Study Guide

Planning a CLIL lesson is not about what the teacher does, but what the learner achieves. Unit 6 of the TKT CLIL module focuses on lesson planning that balances content, language, and thinking skills.

At the heart of CLIL planning are learning outcomes. These describe what learners should know, be able to do, and be aware of at the end of a lesson or series of lessons. They are learner-centred, measurable, and guide all classroom decisions.

When planning, teachers should ask key questions:
What will learners know and do? What communication and thinking skills will be developed? What resources and language support are needed? How will learning be evaluated?

A CLIL lesson usually follows this structure:

Activate prior knowledge
Present content
Guide practice
Encourage meaningful production
End with a plenary

CLIL also develops competences such as communicative, digital, social, and mathematical skills. Lessons often link across subjects and build into a series of lessons with projects and real-world applications.

Understanding the six lesson plan headings—Learning outcomes, Procedure, Communication, Cognition, Resources, and Assessment—is essential for success in the TKT CLIL exam.

About the Author

Ahmed Elmalla is a senior ICT and Computer Science teacher at Sky International School in Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan, with more than 19 years of international teaching and software development experience. He is recognized for delivering the Cambridge curriculum (IGCSE & A-Level Computer Science) as well as AP Computer Science A with a focus on deep conceptual understanding and exam readiness.

As a Cambridge ICT teacher in Kyrgyzstan, Ahmed designs structured lessons that combine theory, hands-on coding, and real-world applications. He teaches Python, Java, SQL, and algorithmic thinking while promoting higher-order cognitive skills and independent problem-solving.

His expertise extends to supporting slow learners and students with learning difficulties, using neuroscience-informed strategies and differentiated instruction techniques. This balanced approach has helped students significantly improve their academic confidence and performance.

Currently based in Central Asia, Ahmed also works with international students through online tutoring, serving learners from Malaysia, the United States, Germany, and beyond.

He remains committed to advancing digital education and empowering the next generation of programmers and innovators.