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Exploring Students' Understanding of Cultural Contents in SSC English Textbook

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Presented by: Sanowar Hosen

Exploring Students' Understanding of Cultural Contents in SSC English Textbook

Research Context

This research investigates how SSC students perceive and understand cultural elements embedded in their English textbook "English for Today" (2023 edition).

Local Source

Bangladeshi culture, facts, and identity

Target Source

English native speakers' cultures (US, UK, Canada, Australia)

International Source

Non-native cultures other than Bangladesh (India, China, Japan, etc.)

Research Gap: While textbook content analysis exists, there's insufficient research on students' perspectives and understanding of cultural contents in Bangladeshi context.

Research Objectives

How Objectives Emerged from the Title

The title "Exploring Students' Understanding" directly led to student-centered objectives focused on perception, connection, and learning impact.

Primary Objective

To explore how students perceive cultural content in their SSC English textbook

Secondary Objective

To understand how students relate textbook cultural content to their own cultural backgrounds and experiences

Tertiary Objective

To examine to what extent students believe cultural content enhances their language learning and communicative abilities

Objective Foundation: These objectives directly stem from the research gap identified - the need for student perspectives on cultural content understanding, rather than theoretical analysis alone.

Research Questions

Relationship to Objectives

Each research question directly corresponds to the three main objectives, creating a systematic approach to understanding student perspectives.

RQ1 Perception

"How do students perceive the cultural content of the SSC English textbook?"

RQ2 Connection

"How do students relate the cultural content in the textbook to their cultural backgrounds?"

RQ3 Enhancement

"To what extent do students believe cultural content enhances their language learning?"

Alignment Strategy: RQ1 → Objective 1: Direct exploration of student perceptions • RQ2 → Objective 2: Understanding personal cultural connections • RQ3 → Objective 3: Measuring perceived learning enhancement

Methodology

Methodology Shaping Factors

Title-driven: "Exploring" suggested qualitative exploration
Objectives-driven: Multiple perspectives needed mixed methods
RQ-driven: Perception + experience required both quantitative and qualitative data

Mixed Methods Approach

Quantitative: Questionnaire (40 students)

Qualitative: Semi-structured interviews (6 students)

Data Collection Strategy

Pre-session: 10-minute cultural content orientation

Setting: Two famous public schools in Dhaka

Findings, Suggestions & Implications

Major Findings

Cultural Awareness

75% students were familiar with cultural source concepts

International Preference

77.5% believe international sources help English learning most

Limited Connection

32.5% find limited connection with textbook cultural content

Key Implications

  • Curriculum: Need for diverse international content
  • Teacher Training: Improve cultural content explanation
  • Textbook Design: Balance local identity with global competence

Student Suggestions

  • Include more diversity from different countries
  • Add ethnic and foreign cultures alongside local culture
  • Improve content quality and avoid childish content
  • Include simplified literary works (e.g., Shakespeare)

Transition to MA Thesis

Proposed MA Thesis Title: "Teachers' Perspectives on Cultural Content Integration in SSC English Language Teaching: Challenges, Strategies, and Professional Development Needs"

Research Continuity

BA Finding: Students prefer international cultural content but find limited connection
MA Focus: How can teachers bridge this gap through effective pedagogical strategies?

Identified Gap

BA Finding: Only 42.5% teachers always explain cultural content
MA Focus: What challenges do teachers face and what support do they need?

Theoretical Framework

Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC)

Sociocultural Theory

Teacher Professional Development Theory

Methodological Approach

Qualitative dominant mixed methods

Teacher interviews, classroom observations

Professional development needs assessment

Justification for MA Thesis Direction

Complementary Research: BA identified student needs; MA will explore teacher capacity. Practical Impact: Will inform teacher training programs. Policy Relevance: Addresses curriculum implementation challenges.

Thank You!

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