Analysing the Integration of Moral and Cultural Values through ELT Reading Materials in Malaysian ESL Classrooms

Abstract

This chapter presents the findings of an exploratory study, which examined the integration of moral and cultural values in ELT reading materials in ESL literature classrooms. The study employed a descriptive research design involving 35 TESL teachers, and data were collected using a questionnaire, interviews, and classroom observations. The findings revealed that the ELT materials used were suitable and had various elements of moral values and classroom observations indicated that teachers were successful in highlighting and integrating moral values from the ELT materials. Nevertheless, the understanding and incorporation of cultural awareness left much to be desired. These findings imply ESL teachers need to be better equipped to communicate the small ‘c’ (culture) in ELT materials.