Sixteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognize Global Climate Change (GCC) and sustainability as critical issues, with Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) being employed as a fundamental approach in educating university students about these important issues. Students in Higher Education contexts are also learning English as a way to take part in these crucial conversations for a sustainable future. That is why English as a Foreign Language (EFL) courses in College and University Education (CUE) are often using environmental content in course materials and lectures. However, are these topics being used effectively to educate students and further environmental behaviors in line with ESD? To help answer these questions, the results of case study research that was carried out with EFL students in a Japanese university are discussed. The research explored the differences between two sets of classes which were taught; one using traditional lecture style teaching methods and the other using best practices in ESD. In addition, the researcher will share practical ways of how ESD principles and tools can be implemented to add value to our EFL teaching classes as well as our language teaching Material Writing and Design. This presentation will be applicable to EFL teachers in higher education contexts that want to make the content found in their classrooms, especially around sustainability and environmental topics, more engaging and pertinent for their students. This is particularly important in an era where environmental challenges will need diverse and creative solutions for a brighter future for all.