Do you ever find yourself accessing ELT materials that overlook local cultures? A recent study from Colombia’s Universidad El Bosque offers a fresh perspective on teaching English to YLs while fostering Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC).
The research, conducted with four children [not a huge study, I’ll admit] aged 5-8 from Puerto Gaitan, Colombia, explored the impact of a decolonized digital booklet on EFL learning & ICC development. The results? Positive!
The digital booklet featured:
- A narrative framework of a journey around the world, visiting Colombia, the USA, & Australia
- Colourful animal characters representing each country (e.g., Paco the capybara from Colombia)
- Cultural elements like typical food, traditions, & landmarks from each country
- Interactive activities promoting language use in context
- Comparisons between local & foreign cultures to foster reflection & appreciation
These elements not only engaged the YLs but also provided a rich context for language acquisition & cultural exploration. For instance, when learning about food, students compared local dishes like papas criollas to foreign ones, sparking curiosity & cultural dialogue.
Key findings:
1. The booklet served as a motivational tool, contextual facilitator, & cultural bridge.
2. Students developed ICC attitudes, knowledge, & skills through engaging activities.
3. Learners showed increased curiosity, empathy, & understanding of diverse perspectives.
I know what you’re thinking: ‘what’s special about that?’ Well, according to UNESCO, only 2.3% of school textbooks worldwide explicitly address cultural diversity & inclusion. This study highlights the urgent need for more culturally responsive materials in EFL classrooms.
Moreover, a 2021 study by Munezane in the Journal of Studies in Higher Education found that ICC significantly improves language proficiency & reduces anxiety in foreign language learners.
Teacher Takeaways?
- Incorporate local cultural elements into your EFL lessons.
- Use digital resources that showcase diverse perspectives.
- Design activities that promote cultural exchange & reflection.
- Encourage students to become “cultural ambassadors” of their own communities.
- Regularly assess & nurture your students’ ICC development.
By embracing decolonized approaches, we can create more inclusive & effective EFL learning experiences. I think that as educators, it’s our responsibility to bridge cultural gaps & prepare students for a globalized world.
Do you ever find yourself tweaking materials to incorporate diverse cultural perspectives in your classroom?
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