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Beyond the Script: Ecological Influences on Chinese High School EFL Teachers' Intercultural Language Teaching Competency
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DOI：10.1177/21582440261430995.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
A persistent gap between theory and practice in intercultural language teaching (ILT) is a challenge faced by EFL teachers worldwide. Guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, this qualitative study examines (1) how various systemic environments shape intercultural language teaching competence (ILTC) among Chinese high school EFL teachers, and (2) why teachers struggle to align ILT practices with policy expectations. ILTC is shown to be dynamic and context-dependent, influenced by interactions across ecological layers. At the microsystem level, teacher motivation and ILTC relate to student abilities and school expectations, but limited cultural awareness among principals and parents restricts sustained support. Institutional factors such as teaching research groups and evaluation systems offer inconsistent backing, complicating ILT implementation. Despite updated textbooks reflecting policy reforms, the weak emphasis on culture in China's high-stakes Gaokao exam drives teachers to prioritize exam preparation over intercultural education. Furthermore, ILT practices often become superficial demonstrations of cultural knowledge due to institutional pressures, time constraints, traditional training, and misaligned administrative priorities. This study also adopts the chronosystem perspective, highlighting ILTC as a lifelong, evolving competence shaped by continuous interactions within multiple ecological systems over time. Through reflection and reconstruction based on significant life experiences, teachers shape and continually develop their ILTC. Overall, this study uncovers the complex ecological constraints shaping ILTC development and offers a holistic perspective on EFL teachers. It provides practical, context-sensitive recommendations for teacher educators in China, emphasizing support for teachers' zones of proximal development and informing programs tailored to the realities of Chinese high schools.
Keywords:
ecological systems theory
high school EFL teachers
intercultural language teaching
intercultural language teaching competency
teacher education
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