Teachers’ and students’ perceptions of using local content in English textbooks in an EFL context

Abstract

English textbooks that contain local content can be considered more interesting and easier for students and teachers to understand and use. Therefore, this study aims to analyze teachers' and students’ perceptions of using local-content English textbooks for senior high school. This study employed mixed-method research involving 37 certified English teachers with 10 years or more of experience teaching English in senior high schools in Bengkulu and 100 students. The data collection instruments of this study were questionnaires and interview guidelines. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the qualitative data were analyzed using three analysis stages: data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that teachers positively perceived using Bengkulu local content English textbooks. This is evident by the majority of English teachers strongly agreeing or agreeing in the questionnaire. Another result indicated that students responded positively to a local textbook covering Bengkulu culture. It can be seen that most of the students were happy to see the pictures or other things related to Bengkulu's local culture in the English textbook. In short, English textbooks with local content are essential for students and teachers because they encourage students to learn English.