INTEGRATING ECO-FRIENDLY PROJECTS INTO ENGLISH FOR YOUNG LEARNERS: FOSTERING CREATIVITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

Authors

  • Dhani Putra Riyanto Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu
  • Mulki Yustinto Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu
  • Sindi Julestri Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu
  • Dela Vanesa Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu
  • Ria Angraini Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu

Abstract

This article explores the integration of eco-friendly projects into English for Young Learners (EYL) as a means to foster both language development and environmental awareness. The project was conducted through a series of hands-on activities, including recycling crafts, planting, and creative use of waste materials, designed to engage learners in meaningful tasks while practicing English. By combining language learning with eco-friendly practices, the approach not only enriched students’ vocabulary and communication skills but also promoted creativity, responsibility, and sustainable values. The activities encouraged active participation, collaboration, and critical thinking, allowing learners to connect classroom knowledge with real-life environmental issues. Data were collected through observation, reflection, and documentation of learners’ involvement and outputs. The findings suggest that integrating eco-friendly projects in EYL classrooms can provide a holistic learning experience, where language acquisition is linked to character building and social responsibility. This study highlights the potential of innovative, project-based learning to nurture environmentally conscious young learners while enhancing their English proficiency.

Keyword: English for Young Learners, Generation Z, Generation Alpha, offline digital learning, educational games.

References

Zhang, Y., & Wildemuth, B. M. (2017). Qualitative content analysis. In B. M. Wildemuth (Ed.), Applications of social research methods to questions in information and library science (pp. 318–329). Libraries Unlimited.

Alqahtani, M. (2021). Teachers’ attitudes and perceptions towards project-based learning in EFL classrooms. Journal of Language Teaching and Learning, 11(3), 45–62.

Chen, H. Y., & Sun, Y. (2022). Integrating technology into language project-based learning with young learners. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 19(1), 1–20.

Dewi, R. K., & Mahendra, I. G. (2023). Project-based learning to enhance environmental awareness in EFL primary classrooms. Journal of English Education and Teaching, 9(2), 101–118.

Elbukhari, S., & Alhamad, E. (2024). A systematic review of project-based language learning and sustainability education. Sustainability in Education Journal, 28(4), 330–350.

Garcia, P. L. (2022). Young learners’ engagement through multimodal projects in English as a foreign language settings. Language Learning Journal, 50(5), 598–615.

Hernandez, A., & Smith, J. (2021). Teacher professional development for project-based learning in multilingual classrooms. International Journal of Teacher Education, 15(1), 77–93.

Ibrahim, N. A. (2023). Exploring students’ voice in project-based English learning: A case in Southeast Asia. Asian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 8(3), 223–242.

Jansen, M., & Lee, S. (2024). Digital portfolios as assessment tools in project-based language learning. Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education, 40(2), 89–107.

Kusuma, D. A., & Wijaya, B. (2021). Project-based learning and critical thinking skills among Indonesian EFL learners. Journal of Language and Education, 7(1), 12–30.

Lopez, T. M. (2022). Sustainable development goals integrated in English language projects: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Global Education and Sustainability, 5(1), 55–74.

Martinez, R. (2023). Collaborative learning practices in project-based English classrooms. Journal of Classroom Interaction, 58(2), 88–102.

Nugroho, A. S., & Putri, F. (2025). Developing intercultural competence through project-based English activities. Journal of Intercultural Communication in Education, 12(1), 15–39.

Ochoa, L. F., & Ramirez, P. (2024). Evaluating language outcomes in sustainability-focused PBL tasks. International Journal of Project-Based Learning, 9(3), 145–168.

Patel, S., & Zhang, L. (2021). Student autonomy in English project work: A cross-cultural perspective. TESOL Quarterly Research Reports, 3(4), 207–226.

Qureshi, A. Y. (2022). Qualitative insights into teachers’ implementation barriers for PBL in EFL contexts. Journal of Qualitative Education Studies, 14(2), 99–117.

Downloads

Published

2026-04-02