Cross-cultural Dimensions in ELT Classrooms: How Is It Carried Out in Indonesian Schools?

Abstract

Given English as a foreign language in Indonesia, teaching English often introduces cultural aspects that may be different from students’ local values, norms, and traditions. Hence, this study tries to investigate the challenges of the cultural differences in classroom interactions, and the strategies used to encourage cross-cultural understanding. To collect the data, this study employed a qualitative approach where the data was collected through observations and interviews with English teachers. The results show many teachers adapt to Western cultural materials to ensure the relevance of their students’ cultural contexts presented in classrooms. The study also finds the lack of training in intercultural skills and the dependence on textbooks has led to less competence in diverse cross-cultural understanding. The study also highlights the importance of cultural pedagogy and encourages professional development programs to assist teachers in acquiring cross-cultural knowledge practically. These findings have suggested that improving cross-cultural understanding in ELT classrooms can promote not only English skills but also global-minded competence while remaining connected to students’ own culture.