Flourishing our Books Green: Content Analysis of an ELT Textbook

Abstract

This study investigated the extent to which first-year secondary school Saudi ELT textbooks integrate ecological education content. ELT books integrate various themes to trigger language learners' interest. However, there is a dire need to include themes related to global issues or the troubled state of Mother nature. Hence the study focused on two environmental education themes: knowledge and awareness, attitudes and behaviors, and their sub-theme. The study used a conceptual content analysis design, and the textbooks were evaluated using a developed content analysis checklist. For the analysis, data were collected in the 2022/2023 school year. The results provided statistical evidence that integrating environmental education into the EFL textbook addressed the minimum level of learners' basic ecological knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and behaviors. Finally, this study suggested methods of how textbooks can help improve students' awareness of the environment, their attitudes, and their behavior.