A Sustainable Pedagogical Model for Media EFL: Blending Content-Based Instruction with Project-Based Learning

In the context of global sustainability agendas and the rapid transformation of the media industry, cultivating new media professionals equipped with language proficiency, cross-cultural communication skills, and sustainability awareness has become a crucial educational imperative. This study implemented a pedagogical framework integrating Content-Based Instruction (CBI) and Project-Based Learning (PBL) at Communication University of Shanxi, centering on authentic media projects. A mixed-methods approach (questionnaires, N = 204; semi-structured interviews, n = 50) was employed to evaluate its effectiveness. Under this model, students demonstrated positive gains in linguistic knowledge and skills, media literacy, self-directed learning, critical thinking, and teamwork. Positive outcomes were also observed in intercultural competence and innovative thinking. Comparative analysis of pre- and post-test academic performance indicated significant improvement across all participating majors. The integrated CBI-PBL model provides a promising teaching pathway for sustainability-oriented foreign language education within similar instructional contexts. It contributes to achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) and offers theoretical and practical insights for aligning media education with the evolving sustainable demands of the industry