Green Standard Schools
▶Summary
Our project addresses the urgent need for widespread environmental action by integrating sustainable practices into language education across the EU. Language schools, teaching hundreds of thousands annually, can significantly influence behavior towards environmental responsibility. While most language students prioritize language improvement, there's a clear demand, highlighted by surveys, for more environmental content in their classes. Similarly, teachers express a need for resources to effectively integrate these topics. Our project aims to fill this gap by developing comprehensive study materials for English, Spanish, and French learners, emphasizing both language proficiency and environmental awareness. Additionally, we provide guidance for language schools to adopt sustainable policies and practices, addressing the need for practical implementation within their operations.
▶Objectives
Our project aims to raise awareness among language schools, teachers, and adult learners about environmental responsibility. By integrating sustainability into language education, we seek to empower managers and teachers to adopt eco-friendly practices. Our Environmental Handbook provides guidance on implementing these changes. Educational videos and lesson plans cater to various CEFR levels, facilitating systematic inclusion of environmental themes in language classes. The ECO-LAB platform ensures access to all stakeholders, promoting project sustainability.
▶Activities
Development activities: - produced a comprehensive digital publication for language school managers and teachers - created 48 educational videos - developed 272 digital lesson plans integrating language and environmental education - launched an online hub (app.greenstandardschools.org) for easy access to project materials PMI activities: - organized 4 transnational project meetings - organized 4 multiplier events Supporting activities: - conducted 200+ dissemination activities to promote project and its results to all relevant stakeholders (backed by a detailed dissemination report) - created project website, Facebook page, logo and four newsletters - conducted a number of piloting activities and a number of related impact assessment activities (backed by a detailed impact report) - conducted a number of quality management activities (backed by a detailed quality report)
▶Impact
Our GSS project exceeded expectations by creating comprehensive educational materials focused on environmental issues for adult learners of English, Spanish, and French, aimed at fostering sustainability within language schools. Our results include: the development of an Environmental Handbook tailored for language school managers and teachers, which not only integrates sustainable practices but also offers practical tools and strategies for reducing environmental impact. Additionally, we produced a series of 48 educational videos covering topics such as pollution, biodiversity, sustainable living, and climate change, designed for various CEFR levels. Furthermore, we surpassed our target by producing 272 language lesson plans that intricately blend language learning objectives with environmental themes. These digital lesson plans cater to different proficiency levels and include detailed stages, materials, and educational goals. Centralizing these resources, the ECOLAB platform facilitates easy access and sharing among educators.