Sustainability isn’t just a trending topic — which is why it’s more important than ever that we start considering how we can weave it into our educational practices. In a recent webinar, ‘Sustainable Life: Combining Project-Based Learning and Problem Solving in English Language Teaching’, we looked at why sustainability really matters in English language education, drawing inspiration from the National Geographic Learning program Life, Third Edition.
We structured our discussion around three big questions: What is sustainability? Why should we bring sustainability themes into our language classrooms? And how can we actually make this happen? Let’s take a look at these questions in more detail…
What is sustainability?
Sustainability is often viewed as simply helping the planet, focusing on environmental conservation and the preservation of natural resources. However, it encompasses much more than that. An example of this can be found in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). There are seventeen interconnected SDGs, aimed at fostering a better future for all. As expected, many of these goals are tied to environmental themes, but there are also several goals linked to social and economic themes, which are vital for creating a just and equitable world.
At its core, we believe sustainability is about creating a holistic approach that considers the well-being of both people and the planet. We like to ask ourselves, “Is what I’m doing today making the world a better place tomorrow?” And while you’re asking yourself this question, why not pose it to your students, too?
Why: The importance of sustainability in English language education
So, why is it crucial to integrate sustainability themes into English language learning?
- Developing global citizens: By teaching sustainability, we help students embrace global perspectives and build awareness of their role in creating a better world. It’s all about empowering them to think about their lives and communities, but also to think beyond their immediate surroundings.
- Going beyond the climate crisis: Sure, the climate crisis is probably the biggest issue we face in our generation, but sustainability covers so much more. It includes social justice, economic stability, and environmental care. This broader perspective enriches students’ understanding of global challenges but also explores themes that will have a more immediate effect on their everyday lives.
- Real-world relevance: When we incorporate sustainability themes, we’re connecting lessons to real-world topics that resonate with students. This relevance not only makes learning more engaging and impactful but also shares knowledge and experiences of different places and diverse groups of people.
- Interdisciplinary learning: Teaching sustainability means bringing in language from across the curriculum so that interdisciplinary learning takes place. For example, introducing topics such as Health or Energy helps students learn key vocabulary through other subjects.
- Enhancing critical thinking and communication skills: Tackling sustainability topics pushes students to think critically and communicate effectively. Integrating problem solving into ELT not only gives students the opportunity to develop core skills and expand their English vocabulary, but it’s also a useful skill to boost their confidence in everyday life and academic surroundings (more on problem solving below!)
How: Practical strategies for implementing sustainability in the classroom
In our webinar, we shared several hands-on strategies for integrating sustainability themes into language education, using example materials from Life, Third Edition. Here are some of our favorites:
Integrating sustainable themes across the curriculum
It turns out it’s actually quite easy to embed sustainability themes into various subjects, promoting interdisciplinary learning.
We looked at using reading materials and discussion prompts that highlight a variety of sustainability topics. For example, a technology lesson on ‘Designs from nature’ from Life, Third Edition can spark conversations about industry and innovations, life on land, life below water, and education, all while expanding vocabulary and language skills.
Problem solving
This is all about presenting students with (positive!) real-world examples of people’s stories, initiatives, and challenges faced that require teamwork and innovative thinking. We can find these everywhere online — it helps to build awareness of sustainability issues, but also models problem solving, collaboration, and creativity.
During the webinar, we discussed tapping into case studies related to topics like climate action or sustainable industries. Case studies from Life, Third Edition, like the article on transportation shown below, support students’ language and skills development while indirectly addressing sustainability themes such as accessibility, innovations, and good health and well-being. Have students work together to analyze these types of cases and brainstorm solutions, blending language practice with critical thinking — and then prompt them to think of more local issues (and solutions) related to the sustainability theme in question. As long as learners can personalize their learning and make it relatable, they will find something to discuss or debate — we don’t all have the same opinions…
Project-Based Learning (PBL)
PBL engages students in hands-on projects that promote sustainability while improving their critical thinking and communication skills. It’s important to remember that the pre-project setup is just as important as the output. The clearer the guidelines and objectives are, the easier the planning and research stages will be, which will ultimately result in the student feeling comfortable and confident when presenting their ideas.
It’s important to encourage students to create campaigns focused on local sustainability issues, drawing from projects like those found in in Life, Third Edition. They might design posters, presentations, or even social media outreach initiatives to raise awareness about recycling or conservation efforts.
Creating a sustainable classroom environment
Of course, this goes way beyond any course book. For example, use sustainable materials and digital resources in your teaching. Highlight and focus on sustainable practices, like repairing clothes or reusing a school bag year after year to show its durability within your classroom, to create an atmosphere of responsibility and care for our planet.
A call to action
Bringing sustainability into our language classrooms is the key to shaping informed, responsible global citizens. By embracing problem solving and project-based learning, we can engage students in meaningful ways that enhance their language skills while tackling pressing sustainability issues.
As educators, we have a unique opportunity to inspire our students to take action. Let’s start in the classroom by encouraging them to think critically, work collaboratively, and embrace their roles in building a sustainable future. By utilizing the materials from programs such as Life, Third Edition and putting practical strategies into action, we can create vibrant learning environments that prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.
Watch Kayleigh and Harry’s webinar, ‘Sustainable Life: Combining Project-Based Learning and Problem Solving in ELT’, for more advice on integrating sustainability themes into your English language classroom!
