MICHAEL MORRIS -

BECOMING A GLOBAL CITIZEN THROUGH PROJECT-BASED LEARNING : ELT INNOVATIVE PEDAGOGY

In an increasingly changing and complex world, it is becoming more important for English language learners to be global citizens who research and engage in international issues. The United Nations has even listed 17 sustainable development goals for institutions world-wide to strive to obtain through responsible education and implementation. It is the responsibility of the English language teacher to attempt to address and integrate these goals in the classroom. This presentation illustrates how a project-based learning approach with a focus on current affairs can nurture English language learners to become responsible actors who are aware and engage with problems facing the world. Projects include a four stage process of 1.) research; 2.) campus interviews; 3.) presentations; and 4.) student-led discussions that attempt to address one or more UN sustainable development goals. Moreover, research has shown that project-based learning is conducive to connecting academic issues to the real world as well as developing interpersonal and intercultural competencies. Audience members will have an opportunity to discuss ideas and create a project-based learning template that addresses current international issues in the classroom. Moreover, tips and suggestions will be shared to make English instruction more relevant to researching and solving complex global issues.

Mike Morris is currently an English Instructor at Tokyo International University with over 13 years of experience at various educational institutions around the world. His research interests include vocabulary acquisition, innovative pedagogies, English for specific purposes, and teacher development.