Words that Empower: Developing Communication and Soft Skills through Natural Resources in the English Language Classroom

Abstract

Concerns about the environment, the reduction in biodiversity, and the increasing levels of stress among students have brought the issue of environmentalism to the forefront of discussions in language education. In this paper, I look at how teaching materials that contain information about natural resources can contribute to the improvement of students’ language skills and their mental health. I draw on Attention Restoration Theory (ART), biophilia theory, Eco linguistics, and Eco-ELT approaches to integrate findings from research on exposure to nature, nature journaling, and literature with ecological subjects. The results show that nature-based teaching methods allow for improving students’ language skills with the positive effects of decreasing stress and anxiety levels, returning attention, and increasing biophilia. The paper concludes with the presentation of the challenges associated with the implementation of these methods in the classroom and the recommendations for future studies.