Teaching Sustainable Development Goals in the EFL classroom: a Project-Based Learning Approach in Secondary Education

Abstract

[eng] Project-based learning (PBL) is an active student-centred methodology that can be implemented to teach any subject at every level. It has its focus on building students’ autonomy, sense of responsibility, critical thinking, and it also works to increase learners’ motivation. In fact, it has been regarded as a successful active learning method to facilitate the application of knowledge and its retention (Cain and Cocco, 2013, p.1). Moreover, it is evident that making use of PBL improves cooperation in team-work, personal growth, long-term learning, and communication skills (Cain and Cocco, 2013, p.1). Indeed, a lot of research has been done on the implementation of PBL in the EFL classroom. In present-day education the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the 2030 Agenda are slowly becoming more relevant even though there is still a long way to go. When it comes to this, the EFL classroom becomes a good setting, since it allows for topic variety and, therefore, can include different SDGs. This dissertation explores the implementation of PBL in the EFL classroom as a methodology to successfully achieve the SDGs. Combining the advantages that PBL offers with the prospect of a better future, this study concludes with a didactic proposal that merges PBL with the Agenda 2030 goals. Specifically, it suggests a project for 2nd of ESO students that enhances cooperation and communication while raising awareness about the environmental emergency.