In a recent conversation with some teachers, the topic of global issues came up and a few of them asked what it meant. This is not the first time teachers have not known what exactly is covered under the term of global issues. So, what does it mean and how can we help our teachers understand what they are and help them implement activities in their lessons to raise student awareness?
Global issues refers to broad, real-world topics that impact people across countries and cultures, including: climate change; poverty and inequality; human rights; global health challenges; conflicts; and wars.
The reason teachers should know what the term means and how they can help their students become responsible global citizens is vital in a fast-changing world. As English has become a global language, teaching it is now more than just the acquisition of linguistic skills; it serves as a platform for global citizenship, intercultural communication and critical thinking. Now more than ever before, pressing global challenges shape the 21st century (such as climate change, social justice, migration and digital literacy), so teachers have a unique opportunity to integrate these issues into their lessons – and publishers have a duty to incorporate them into their materials. Let’s explore the importance of addressing global issues in our classrooms and how it can empower learners to become active agents of change in their communities and beyond.
Integrating these topics helps learners develop not only language skills but also a broader understanding of the world and their role in it. Language is a powerful tool for advocacy and, by incorporating global themes into lessons, teachers can enhance students’ critical thinking, intercultural competence and social awareness. Our classrooms offer a great opportunity to explore these topics through authentic materials, discussions and project-based learning, fostering empathy and engagement with real-world problems.
Enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills
In recent years there has been a lot written and said about critical thinking and problem-solving skills but how can teachers actively help their learners to acquire these skills?
One way is to start by discussing global issues as it encourages students to start thinking about them, question assumptions and propose solutions. Using activities such as debates, case studies and collaborative projects will help students develop their reasoning abilities while improving their English proficiency. For example, a classroom discussion on climate change can lead students to explore causes, effects and potential solutions, refining their ability to construct well-supported arguments and communicate effectively.
Promoting intercultural awareness and empathy
By exposing students to different cultures, traditions and viewpoints, we can nurture a sense of global citizenship. Learners become more open-minded and respectful of diversity, reducing stereotypes and fostering mutual understanding. By reading narratives from different cultural perspectives, engaging in cross-cultural communication activities or hosting virtual exchanges with students from other countries, teachers can help deepen their appreciation of global diversity.
Developing empathy in students is crucial for both their academic success and their personal growth. It enhances their social and emotional skills, while promoting positive relationships with their peers and teachers, leading to a more inclusive classroom environment where there is mutual respect. Empathy is also a key trait in effective leadership, enabling individuals to inspire and lead by example. Something that is very much needed in today’s world.
Developing real-world communication skills
Discussing and writing about global issues helps students acquire vocabulary and structures relevant to social and environmental discourse. This prepares them to engage in meaningful discussions beyond the classroom, whether in academia, the workplace or international forums. For instance, simulated United Nations debates or writing persuasive essays on human rights issues can hone students’ abilities to articulate opinions confidently and persuasively in English.
Encouraging social responsibility and action
Students who are aware of global challenges are more likely to participate in civic engagement, volunteer work and advocacy. Language learning becomes a tool for making a difference, as students use their skills to contribute to positive change. Encouraging students to create awareness campaigns, write letters to policymakers or participate in environmental initiatives can empower them to use their English proficiency as a means for social impact.
How can teachers incorporate global issues in the classroom?
Using authentic materials
Nothing new here. Many teachers use authentic materials in their lessons. However, incorporating news articles, podcasts, TED Talks and documentaries on global topics can enrich classroom discussions and exposes students to real-world language use. Teachers can curate materials that align with students’ interests and language levels, ensuring engagement and comprehension. Assigning students to summarise news reports on climate policies or analyse speeches by world leaders can help them build language skills while staying informed about pressing global matters.
Project-based learning (PBL)
PBL provides students with opportunities to work collaboratively on projects tied to global issues, where students might work on designing sustainability campaigns, conducting interviews on human rights or developing digital literacy guides. For example, a project could involve designing an awareness-raising campaign on reducing plastic waste, which would integrate research, presentation and persuasive language skills for delivering an impactful message.
Debates and role plays
Engaging students in debates and role plays on topics such as climate policies or ethical artificial intelligence helps develop their persuasive language and argumentative skills. By assigning students different stakeholder roles – such as government officials, activists or corporate leaders – students learn to view issues from multiple perspectives and articulate their points effectively in English.
Service learning and community engagement
Linking classroom activities with community projects, such as tutoring refugees or organising environmental clean-ups, provides students with hands-on experience while allowing them to apply their language skills in real-world settings. These experiences can build confidence in our students and demonstrate to them how English can be a powerful tool for community engagement and social impact.
Challenges and considerations
While incorporating global issues in our classroom offers numerous benefits, it requires careful planning. Teachers must be sensitive to cultural differences, students’ backgrounds and political contexts, ensuring that discussions remain respectful and inclusive. Teachers need to create a safe and inclusive space where diverse perspectives can be shared respectfully and without judgement. Classroom activities should be designed to encourage constructive discussions rather than polarising debates.
Balancing language instruction with content-focused discussions can be challenging and teachers are busy people. Using scaffolding techniques and selecting materials appropriate to the students’ language levels can help ensure they grasp both linguistic and conceptual aspects of the topics. Techniques such as tiered reading exercises, structured discussions and visual aids can be effective in supporting comprehension and engagement. Graded materials are available online and can be accessed easily.
Addressing global issues in ELT enriches language learning by making it more relevant, engaging and meaningful. By empowering learners with the skills and knowledge to navigate complex global challenges, educators contribute to the development of informed, responsible and proactive individuals. As ELT continues to evolve, integrating global themes should be a priority in shaping a better world through language education. With the right strategies and a thoughtful approach, ELT can serve as a catalyst for positive change, equipping our students with the linguistic and critical thinking skills necessary to tackle the challenges of the modern world.
Focusing global challenges within language education prepares students to use English as a tool for advocacy, collaboration and problem-solving in real-world contexts. By integrating global issues, educators empower students to become informed and proactive global citizens, capable of making positive contributions to society.
Suggested links
United Nations. (2025). Sustainable Development Goals: 17 goals to transform our world. Available from https://www.un.org/en/exhibits/page/sdgs-17-goals-transform-world (Last accessed 3 February 2025).
United Nations. (2025). Student resources. Available from https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/student-resources/ (Last accessed 3 February 2025).
British Council. (2025). Global issues in ELT class. Available from https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/professional-development/teachers/using-21c-skills/magazine/global-issues-elt-class (Last accessed 3 February 2025).
IATEFL GISIG. Global issues special interest group. (2025. Available from https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/professional-development/teachers/using-21c-skills/magazine/global-issues-elt-class (Last accessed 3 February 2025).
