Green Curriculum : towards sustainable future for English language education at tertiary level

Abstract

The research discusses some possible ways for improving and updating curriculum by introducing principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) which is amed at improving knowledge, skills and competencies and strengthening values and attitudes towards a transition to a better, sustainably developing world. The important role of English Language Teaching in this process is analysed, since multilingual curriculum can provide students with a great opportunity to express themselves in another language on the world issues related to sustainable development and exchange ideas on the struggle for sustainability. In addition to the theoretical framework of the basic requiremets for Educational Sustainable Development, the article also presents qualitative and quantitative analyses, based on students„ from Vytautas Magnus University and the Naval Academy in Varna (Bulgaria) answers to questions related to their understanding of ESD. Practical teaching activities and ideas on incorporating ESD content into language curriculum are suggested based on the analysed data. Thus, the attempts have been made to answer the following questions: WHAT is the attitude of Vytautas Magnus University students, Kaunas, Lithuania and the students from the Naval Academy in Varna, Bulgaria to sustainable development for education? HOW does the English language competence enable students to develop the knowledge, values and skills to participate in discussions about the way we do things that will improve the quality of life without damaging the planet for future?  WHY is it necessary to promote sustainable development via EFL? HOW can we link educational content to sustainable development in the language curriculum?