Positioning Global Competence in English Language Education

Cultivating global competence is essential for individuals seeking growth in both personal and professional domains. For teachers, continuous professional development is particularly crucial in keeping pace with the evolving nature of education. The shifting educational paradigm demands that policymakers, educators, teachers, and students remain engaged with diverse subject matters, including global issues that transcend local contexts. Within the English as a second language (ESL) educational setting, embedding global competence in the curriculum has become a vital endeavour in equipping learners to face present and future challenges. Textbooks, as primary learning resources, play a central role in fostering students’ knowledge and awareness of worldwide issues, enabling them to critically analyse global challenges, form well-informed perspectives, and contribute responsibly to society. This conceptual chapter examines the foundations of global education, the integration of global competence into the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)-aligned English syllabus and textbooks, and the broader implications for ESL teaching and learning. Drawing upon theoretical insights and empirical evidence, it highlights practical strategies for embedding global competence within ESL classrooms through textbooks and supplementary resources. By aligning global competence with the CEFR framework, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on enhancing ESL education and offers valuable guidance for educators striving to develop globally competent learners.