Local Belief and the Negotiation of EFL Teachers’ Identity in an Asian Country

Authors

  • Marlon D. Sipe School of Languages, Walailak University, Thasala District 80160, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
  • Christine Faith Avila Communication Department, Ateneo de Davao University, E. Jacinto St., Davao City, 8000 Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2024.2.763.782

Keywords:

local belief, negotiation, EFL teachers, identity, Asian context

Abstract

Aim. This study investigates the local belief and the negotiation of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers' identity within the Asian context.

Methods. Framed within the Martha Pennington (2014) model, this qualitative research examines the complex interplay between local beliefs and the participants’ identity formation through in-depth interviews. The data was collected from three (3) EFL teachers operating at local Asian schools.

Results. The findings reveal the significance of local beliefs in shaping teachers' instructional practices, classroom interactions, and professional identities. This research sheds light on the dynamic nature of EFL pedagogy in culturally diverse settings as it underscores the dialectical process through which EFL teachers negotiate their identities within the local cultural and educational milieu.

Conclusions. It can be concluded that this research contributes to the field of EFL education by highlighting the need for teacher training programmes that address the diverse cultural and contextual factors that influence the formation of EFL teachers' identities.

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Author Biographies

  • Marlon D. Sipe, School of Languages, Walailak University, Thasala District 80160, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

    Doctor of Communication, lecturer at the School of Languages & General Education, Walailak University in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. His research endeavors have predominantly focused on English language teaching (ELT), communication phenomena in teaching, and other aspects of education studies. As a communication scholar, he is interested in exploring ‘teaching’ as a communication phenomenon. He has also authored /co-authored Philippine-based textbooks “English Communication for 21st Century Learners” for Grades 4-6 under Matatag Curriculum.

     

  • Christine Faith Avila, Communication Department, Ateneo de Davao University, E. Jacinto St., Davao City, 8000 Philippines

    Doctor of Communication, associate professor at the Ateneo de Davao University in Department of Communication, Country Representative for Mindanao in Asian Media Information and Communication (AMIC), President Media Educators of Mindanao (MEM) from 2019-2021, Public Information Officer and Communication Disciple Head for Council of Educators and Deans for Arts and Sciences Region XI from 2016-2022

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Published

2024-09-25

Issue

Section

LOCAL CULTURES AND SOCIETIES

How to Cite

Sipe, M., & Avila, C. F. . (2024). Local Belief and the Negotiation of EFL Teachers’ Identity in an Asian Country. Journal of Education Culture and Society, 15(2), 763-782. https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2024.2.763.782