Raising environmental awareness in an English language classroom via WebQuest

Abstract

The present paper delves into the creation of an English language lesson that promotes environmental awareness and enhances the reading skill via WebQuest.

The sixth graders of a Greek state primary school read an article about Dian Fossey in their English language classroom, where English is taught as a Foreign Language (TEFL). They were emotionally affected by the fact that Fossey had devoted her life to the protection of mountain gorillas in South Africa, and they wondered if there was a way to help these animals despite living in a faraway country. The emotional impact of the article, along with the students' poor reading skill in the English language and the need for the promotion of digital literacy, whose enhancement is required by the Unified Curriculum for the Foreign Languages (OGG, 2015), made the construction of a lesson through WebQuest the most appropriate teaching strategy employed by the English language teacher.

After the presentation of the teaching situation, the author discusses the rationale for the use of WebQuest based on the relevant literature. Moreover, she analyzes the teaching procedure in accordance with the pedagogical framework of WebQuest and describes the relevant teaching materials. Lastly, she justifies the choices made and suggests further modifications.

Keywords: TEFL, WebQuest, reading skill, environmental awareness

DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/103-02

Publication date: September 30th 2024