Many systems both nationally and internationally have expanded the goals of language programs to include the learning of concepts from other areas as well as a focus on developing language proficiency. Students are encouraged to undertake authentic and challenging tasks that provide meaningful learning experiences. The aim of the tasks is to support students in understanding broad concepts and to develop strategies for analysing these concepts across disciplines. Ideally tasks include an integrative approach and provide opportunities for the posing of questions and problem solving in a context where language is used as the vehicle to seek and acquire understanding and knowledge. Examples can be found in the Queensland LOTE syllabus (Note 1) and the New Jersey World Languages Curriculum Framework (Note 2).

Integration across the curriculum supports promotion of thinking skills with cognitively demanding tasks and provides students with opportunities to transfer their learning across contexts and disciplines.