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Creating An Eco-Friendly EFL Classroom: A Step-By-Step-Guide

26th April 2023

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the impact of human activities on the environment, it is essential for every sector to join in the efforts to make the earth greener before it’s too late.

According to a survey by BBC News, the earth is getting warmer year by year because of human negligent actions. To make the environment of this earth back to normal looks like a far-fetched idea, but we must take the initiative at least to change the scenario.

The field of education is the perfect sector that can take the initiative to spread environmental awareness. If you’re a pursuant of any international TEFL and TESOL training or Online TEFL Programs in Malaysia course, then you might have known to make an engaging TEFL class and spread environmental awareness at the same time is possible. However, this blog will also help you to implement some effective ways to make your classroom eco-friendly.

Now without any further delay, let’s get to know about this topic in-depth.

Benefits of Having an Eco-Friendly EFL Classroom

An eco-friendly classroom is beneficial in several ways.

1. It promotes environmental awareness and encourages students to take responsibility for their impact on the environment.

2. It can save costs in the long run by reducing the usage of resources such as paper, electricity, and water.

3. It can improve the overall learning experience by creating a more pleasant and healthy learning environment.

4. It can enhance the reputation of the institution as an environmentally conscious organization.

Understanding the Impact of Language Teaching on the Environment

To create an eco-friendly EFL classroom, it is necessary to understand the impact of language teaching on the environment. Language teaching involves the usage of various resources such as paper, books, electricity, and transportation. Each of these resources has a significant impact on the environment.

For example, the production of paper contributes to deforestation and pollution. The usage of electricity contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases. TEFL teachers must be aware of these impacts and take steps to minimize the use of paper.

Now let’s get to know 10 steps to create an environmental-friendly TEFL classroom:

Step 1: Reducing Paper and Printing Usage

One of the most significant impacts of language teaching on the environment is the usage of paper. TEFL teachers can take several steps to reduce paper usage in the classroom. They can encourage students to take notes digitally using laptops or tablets and they can also provide digital versions of textbooks and handouts.

TEFL teachers can also use whiteboards and markers instead of paper and pens and they can reduce the usage of paper as much as possible.

Step 2: Encouraging the Use of Digital Resources

TEFL teachers can encourage the use of digital resources. Digital resources such as online dictionaries, grammar checkers, and language learning apps can be used to supplement traditional teaching methods.

Moreover, they can be used to reduce the usage of physical resources such as books and paper. TEFL teachers can also use digital tools to create interactive lessons that engage students and promote active learning.

Step 3: Promoting Recycling in the Classroom

Recycling is another critical aspect of creating an eco-friendly EFL classroom. TEFL teachers can encourage students to recycle by providing recycling bins in the classroom. They can also teach students about the importance of recycling and the benefits of recycling. Additionally, TEFL teachers can use recycled materials such as paper and cardboard in their teaching materials.

Step 4: Conserving Energy and Reducing Electricity Usage

Conserving energy and reducing electricity usage is an essential step in creating an eco-friendly EFL classroom. TEFL teachers can take several steps to conserve energy, such as turning off lights and electronics when not in use, using natural light whenever possible, and using energy-efficient light bulbs. They can also reduce electricity usage by using laptops and tablets instead of desktop computers and by reducing the usage of air conditioning and heating.

Step 5: Using Eco-Friendly Materials

Using eco-friendly materials is another way to create an eco-friendly EFL classroom. TEFL teachers can use materials that are made from natural and renewable resources such as bamboo, hemp, and cotton. They can also use materials that are biodegradable and compostable. Additionally, they can avoid using materials that contain harmful chemicals such as PVC and formaldehyde.

Step 6: Incorporating Environmental Themes into Lessons

Incorporating environmental themes in lessons is an excellent way to promote environmental awareness among students. TEFL teachers can use topics such as climate change, pollution, and sustainability to teach language skills such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Moreover, they can use authentic materials such as news articles and documentaries to teach language skills and environmental themes simultaneously.

Step 7: Encouraging Students to Take Action Outside the Classroom

Encouraging students to take action outside the classroom is an essential step in promoting environmental awareness. TEFL teachers can encourage students to participate in environmental initiatives such as beach cleanups, tree planting, and recycling drives. They can also teach students about environmentally conscious lifestyles such as reducing plastic usage, conserving water, and using public transportation.

Step 8: Partnering with Environmentally Conscious Organizations

Partnering with environmentally conscious organizations is an excellent way to promote environmental awareness and create an eco-friendly EFL classroom. TEFL teachers can partner with organizations such as environmental NGOs, green schools, and sustainable businesses. They can also invite guest speakers from these organizations to give talks on environmental topics.

Step 9: Sharing Eco-Friendly Classroom Practices with Other Teachers

Sharing eco-friendly classroom practices with other teachers is an excellent way to promote environmental awareness across the institution. TEFL teachers can share their experiences and best practices with other teachers through workshops, webinars, and conferences. Moreover, they can collaborate on eco-friendly projects such as recycling drives and green initiatives.

Step 10: Continuing to Improve and Maintain an Eco-Friendly Classroom

Finally, TEFL teachers must continue to improve and maintain an eco-friendly classroom. They should regularly evaluate their practices and make adjustments as necessary. Moreover, they should encourage feedback from students and colleagues to identify areas for improvement.

Spread environmental awareness by making your TEFL classroom greener:

Creating an eco-friendly EFL classroom is essential in promoting environmental awareness, saving costs, and improving the overall learning experience. As a TEFL teacher you might have learn the benefit of creating an eco-friendly EFL classroom in international TEFL and TESOL training or Online TEFL Programs in Malaysia-like courses.

However, our blog can also help TEFL teachers to take ten simple steps to create an eco-friendly classroom and encourage the students to take action outside the classroom, partnering with environmentally conscious organizations, sharing eco-friendly classroom practices with other teachers, and continuing to improve and maintain an eco-friendly classroom.

By taking these steps, TEFL teachers can contribute to global efforts to make the earth green and create a sustainable future.