Protectors and preparers: novice Indonesian EFL teachers’ beliefs regarding teaching about culture

Culture is an important element of language teaching. This multiple case study explores the beliefs of 14 novice Indonesian EFL teachers regarding teaching about culture. Data sources included: interviews, lesson observations, professional learning community sessions, and journal entries. Data analysis classified participants in two groups: those who associated teaching about culture with the need to protect students from unfamiliar cultures, and those who focused on preparing students for encounters with unfamiliar cultures. An important distinguishing factor between the groups was access to intercultural learning opportunities. This work highlights the importance of offering intercultural experiences to novice teachers.