Exploring the Level of Intercultural Awareness in Teachers’ Practices in an International Secondary School in Indonesian Context

Abstract

The present study aims to explore teachers’ practice of intercultural awareness in an Indonesian secondary school. This research method is under qualitative research with observational study as research design. The participants in this study were two experienced secondary school English teachers who teach in international schools in Yogyakarta. The process of recruitment of the participants was using purposive sampling. The two educators were systematically observed within their respective classrooms, with data being meticulously collected through the use of structured observational forms. This data collection process was subsequently complemented by interviews. Data were analyzed through descriptive qualitative using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that both participants attain the highest position of Baker’s (2022) three levels of conceptual definitions of intercultural awareness. Additionally, the teachers employ a traditional pedagogical approach, manifested through the use of cultural capsules. These capsules include examples of international festivals and teaching materials sourced from various countries, thereby providing an authentic representation of the target culture. These findings imply that teachers who reach the maximum level of intercultural awareness significantly improves student engagement and student critical thinking which has the potential to foster students with deep cultural awareness and proficient intercultural communication in global settings.