EFFECTIVE STUDENT-CENTERED TEACHING STRATEGIES FOR INTEGRATING PEACEBUILDING INTO ESP CONTEXTS

Abstract

The article explores effective teaching strategies and methodology for integrating peacebuilding principles into ESP contexts. The article reviews the evolution and development of the concept of «peacebuilding», and highlights the crucial role of establishing both short-term and long-term goals in achieving effective peace education.It is stated that to achieve lasting peace, peacebuilding education must be integrated into all aspects of social life, with educational institutions playing a pivotal role. Peace education interventions in academic institutions result in improved attitudes and cooperation among students, increased conflict management skills, intercultural competence and decreased violence. To reach the goal, classrooms must offer an inclusive and safe space for meaningful participation, dialogue and communication, encourage students to cooperate for further contribution to a more just and peaceful world.Recognizing the growing need for students to navigate complex global challenges, the authors emphasize that effective peace education requires a multi-faceted approach that incorporates Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), promoting critical thinking, teaching conflict resolution skills, and building intercultural competence. The article further argues that to ensure effective peacebuilding within an EFL classroom and promote personal transformations of students from an average person to active agents who can analyze, evaluate, and create peaceful solutions, the educational process must be carefully structured and provided with opportunities for progressing from basic knowledge to higher-order thinking. The authors propose a structured framework for the development of peacebuilding and conflict resolution skills, offering a roadmap for educators to guide learners through progressive stages of skill and knowledge acquisition via student-centered approaches, such as simulations, case studies, peer mediation, and collaborative projects.