Demands on Developing Cultural–Based English Textbook for Tourism Vocational Schools: Teachers’ Views

Abstract

Bangka Belitung is one of the provinces with its alluring beaches, great legends, and other tourist spots that could advance its tourism advertisement higher. The present research deliberates the demands of teachers at tourism vocational schools in promoting and inserting Bangka Belitung cultural-based English textbook for tourism vocational school learners. Five English vocational teachers, 3 teachers at SMK N 1 Pangkalpinang and 2 teachers at SMK N 3 Tanjung Pandan have been interviewed to obtain their views whether cultural English textbook, based on Bangka Belitung cultural values, beliefs, and norms, could aid students’ understanding and enhance their English skills better. These two vocational schools are the schools that provide tourism major in Bangka Belitung province. Three aspects obtained from the interview results; 1) inability teachers in relating local culture and tourism with English lesson, 2) students’ boredom in learning English, and 3) the needs of developing cultural-based English textbook for vocational school students.