Abstract
Many second language (SL) programs emphasize cultural and language content, but not contemporary issues such as sustainability or climate change. This project sought to create videos that were comprehensible for three age groups and two language competency levels about each of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) as both listening comprehension and triggers for oral discussion. Three videos in different styles were circulated on an online platform with questions for viewers about factors such as language level, use of visuals, music, pacing. All videos were visually inclusive. Results were used to shape an additional 15 videos (n=59). Responses varied by age and role (student vs teacher). No participants had heard of the UN SDGs. Voices of native speakers were preferred. Classroom activities were then developed to accompany the videos. Videos were shown in classrooms, followed by related activities, in Canada and abroad. Interview and focus group results revealed that students were highly engaged in the content while teachers felt that the language level was too low for native speakers. Teachers are the gatekeepers for the use of learning resources. Teacher education about all of the UN SDGs is needed to advance the changes awaiting the XXI c.
Presenters
Olenka BilashDirector and Professor Emeritus, Education, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOMENT GOALS, EDUCATION, VIDEO EDUCATION, TEACHER EDUCATION, SECOND LANGUAGES
