Cultural Instruction in a Junior College EFL Reading Classroom

This study investigates the effectiveness of cultural instruction in a junior college EFL reading classroom located in Taiwan. Cultural materials were developed by an experienced Taiwanese instructor, and cultural instruction was placed at the center of the curriculum. Data included student questionnaires and interviews, interviews with the instructor and the researcher's observation field notes. The results show that the cultural instruction was considered beneficial by the students and that it generated positive effects in various aspects. In addition, the students considered small group activities and presentations helpful in terms of their acquisition of cultural knowledge and increasing their English abilities. Furthermore, the instructor considered the cultural instruction effective and was pleased with the students' learning and performance, but she also voiced concerns regarding culture teaching and learning.