Are the Differences between CLIL and Non-CLIL Groups in Andalusia Due to CLIL? A Reply to Lorenzo, Casal and Moore (2010)

Lorenzo "et al". (2010) attribute some quite astounding average FL language score differences between Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and non-CLIL groups in Andalusia, Spain, precisely favoring the CLIL initiative. However, there are a number of methodological research questions that jeopardize any verifiable conclusions that can be drawn from the study as described by the authors, beginning with the interpretation of the scores. Three other significant factors are considered, before a plea is made for more disinterested research, which does not ignore the less privileged.