Teaching Reading and Teacher Beliefs: A Sociocultural Perspective

This book investigates language teacher beliefs in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) reading instruction in the context of Chinese university English instructors, revealing seven key features of a complex and dynamic belief system. It calls for a holistic and insider view to examine teacher beliefs in relation to the sociocultural and historical contexts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 189 pages
Publication date: 02 October 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate realm of language teacher beliefs in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) reading instruction, specifically within the context of Chinese university English instructors. Since the 1990s, there has been a resurgence of interest in exploring the intricate tapestry of teacher beliefs, a domain that has been largely overlooked in previous studies. However, most research in this field tends to focus solely on examining the relationship between specific aspects of teacher beliefs and classroom practices, disregarding the intricate and multifaceted nature of these beliefs.

In order to provide a fresh and alternative perspective, this study takes a holistic approach, conceptualizing teacher beliefs as a complex, dynamic, and multifaceted system. Through a year-long research endeavor, involving five rounds of interviews and four classroom observations, the study uncovers seven key features that are shared among six participants. These features shed light on the intricate web of beliefs that shape these language teachers' approaches to reading instruction.

The findings of this study emphasize the need for a comprehensive and nuanced examination of teacher beliefs in relation to the sociocultural and historical contexts in which they operate. It calls for a shift from a narrow, surface-level analysis to a deeper, insider view that recognizes the intricate interplay between teachers' personal experiences, professional training, and the broader societal and cultural forces that influence their teaching practices.

By adopting a holistic and complex lens, this book contributes to our understanding of language teacher beliefs and their impact on teaching and learning. It provides valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers alike, as they strive to enhance the quality of EFL reading instruction and promote the development of effective language teachers.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030471729
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020