The Future of Education
Sustainability, Language, and Wellbeing: Integrating ESD and Digital Pedagogy to Foster Critical Thinking and Social Connection
Sara Remžgar, Gimnazija Nova Gorica (Slovenia)
Abstract
This paper examines an integrative pedagogical model developed at Gimnazija Nova Gorica, Slovenia, that embeds Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) principles within English language teaching. Responding to the converging challenges of ecological instability, digital transformation, and mental health pressures among adolescents, the project situates language education as a conduit for ethical reflection and personal growth. Through differentiated instruction, digital tool integration, and peer assessment, students engage with sustainability-related themes—such as climate action, waste reduction, and responsible consumption—while developing metacognitive awareness, empathy, and social cohesion. The research highlights how collaborative feedback and self-evaluation practices enhance students’ wellbeing and reduce anxiety in evaluative settings. By intertwining sustainability, linguistic competence, and emotional literacy, the model demonstrates how language learning can cultivate resilience, agency, and a sense of interconnectedness essential for navigating complex global realities.
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Keywords |
education for sustainable development, language pedagogy, digital literacy, wellbeing, peer collaboration |
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REFERENCES |
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