Open AccessLocal Epistemological Perceptions that Underlie EFL Literature and Teaching Practices in Colombia
Author(s) -
Martha Isabel Bonilla-Mora,
Johanna Patricia López-Urbina
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
how
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0120-5927
DOI - 10.19183/how.28.2.598
Subject(s) - perspective (graphical) , perception , relevance (law) , pedagogy , foreign language , field (mathematics) , sociology , qualitative research , psychology , english as a foreign language , diversity (politics) , teaching method , mathematics education , social science , political science , anthropology , mathematics , neuroscience , artificial intelligence , computer science , pure mathematics , law
This study aims to understand the local and updated epistemological perceptions of the teaching and learning of English as a foreign language (EFL) in Colombia from the voices of English language university teachers. This qualitative research emerges as part of a hermeneutical perspective which allowed the authors to analyze experiences, perceptions, and understandings of teachers in the foreign language-teaching field. Data collection instruments included a literature review using framework matrices and semi-structured interviews. After data analysis, three categories emerged: Pertinence and Relevance of Teaching and Learning of EFL, Teaching and Learning of EFL, and The State of Bilingualism. The study concludes with the recommendation of promoting the teaching and learning of foreign languages based on contextualized necessities of Colombia. We draw attention to the cultural and linguistic diversity in our country. In addition, we raise awareness among preservice teachers towards an epistemological reconstruction that involves the ecology of knowledge, engaging them in critical knowledge and practices from outside the Eurocentric vision.