Integrating Education for Sustainable Development into the Dutch EFL Classroom

Abstract

This pilot study aims to investigate the integration of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom in the Netherlands. The study reflects on various international studies concerning ESD and EFL integration to present the potential and importance to the Dutch educational context. Students will face serious challenges in the future concerning sustainability, and EFL lessons should contribute to prepare them adequately. In order to analyze the current state of integration, a questionnaire was conducted amongst 26 Dutch EFL high school teachers from different school types. Results show that the current rate of integration is low, but interest rates are relatively high. This offers an opportunity for improvement, although participants also identify various obstacles to the integration. Additionally, the study reviews a number of didactic methods that could be used in an ESD/EFL lesson. Finally, a meso-level curriculum proposal is presented to facilitate the integration, promoting knowledge and skills compatible with both ESD and EFL learning.