Creating Culture of Thinking in Language Classrooms: An Interpretive Inquiry Into Saudi University EFL Instructors’ Beliefs and Practices

Abstract

Guided by sociocultural theory (SCT) perspectives, this mixed-methods study investigated Saudi university EFL instructors' beliefs and teaching practices regarding the creation of culture of thinking (CoT) in language skills classrooms, and the factors affecting this process. Research data were gathered from 169 EFL university instructors through a self-report questionnaire. Among the participants, 12 instructors participated in a semi-structured interview. Additionally, classroom observations were conducted in seven classrooms. Questionnaire data were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics while interview and classroom observation data were analyzed qualitatively. Instructors’ beliefs were examined in terms of their conceptions of thinking skills, and their perceptions of the importance of creating and sustaining a CoT in EFL classrooms. Their beliefs and reported practices were then compared to their actual classroom practices. Data analysis revealed several key findings. Firstly, there was an obvious incongruence between instructors' stated beliefs, reported practices, and actual classroom teaching practices. Though most instructors were favorable toward the CoT, they did not apply it to their classrooms. Secondly, several factors were identified to have mediated instructors' beliefs and practices pertaining to the CoT. These factors were related to cultural values (e.g., individual thinking, obedience, and respect for adults) as well as institutional and classroom contexts (e.g., workload, examination system, students’ thinking habits, and language proficiency). Finally, instructors lacked the strategies necessary to effectively implement CoT. Based on these findings, pedagogical implications and future research studies are proposed.