Trabajo de Grado

Abstract

There are several issues to explore in EFL classrooms, how to make students aware of foreign cultures, how to link language teaching and learning to the teaching and learning of culture in EFL classrooms, which is also important for textbooks. An important aspect to understand is how culture is approached in classes in the Colombian context by teachers, how their sources of knowledge and experience are reflected in their teaching practice and their role within it. Thus, this research project aims at analyzing the conceptions of five EFL teachers with regards to the target culture they teach in their classes based on their experiences with several sources of knowledge and learning. The research design adopted for this project is that of a qualitative study. The researcher analyzed the responses of the teachers in terms of their ideas and beliefs about culture. Also, the participants perceptions of foreign cultures were analyzed. Besides, the way the teachers approach culture in their classes is dealt with in this project. The data were analyzed from interviews and surveys as well as class observations. This study will help us understand what the sources of knowledge and experience of some teachers are towards English-speaking cultures related with their teaching practices, decision-making process in terms of curriculum, activities, methodology, materials and evaluation.