Improving Culture Teaching in the English Major at Universidad Nacional: Perceptions and practices

Abstract

The present study aims at exploring the bond between culture and language learning, in the curriculum of the English major (Bachillerato en Inglés, in Spanish) at Universidad Nacional (UNA). Specifically, the major under study is affiliated to Escuela de Literatura y Ciencias del Lenguaje and implemented at Sede Interuniversitaria de Alajuela, Costa Rica. The researchers seek to diagnose current needs in this major by examining perceptions and practices in culture teaching in the classroom of English as a foreign language (EFL). Although culture is part of the curriculum of the English major, perceptions and practices toward the integration of the cultural component in this study plan have been first addressed in this research. Through a quantitative approach, this study determines several cultural teaching practices developed in EFL courses along four academic levels in the English major. Participants comprised 74 students and five faculty members. Learners’ understanding and perceptions toward culture learning were analyzed through a survey. Likewise, a questionnaire for professors was administered to identify teaching approaches to culture. Findings revealed that cultural aspects are addressed in most of the courses in the major; however, the practices implemented for approaching such aspects must be authentic and reflective for the broadening of cultural understanding per se and in turn the enhancement of cross-cultural communication.