Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices and Student Attitude Towards Learning the English Language in China

This study investigated the relationship between culturally responsive teaching practices and student attitudes towards learning English language among senior high school students in China. The study used a descriptive-comparative correlational design and a survey questionnaire to collect data from 491 students from five different schools. The study found that the level of culturally responsive teaching practices perceived by students was average and that there was no significant difference in the level of culturally responsive teaching practices based on the students' demographic factors. The study also found that the students had positive attitudes towards learning the English language and that there was a significant positive relationship between culturally responsive teaching practices and student attitudes. The study concluded that culturally responsive teaching practices can enhance student motivation and academic achievement in English language learning and recommended the development of professional development programs and curriculum materials that support culturally responsive teaching.The findings of culturally responsive teaching practices show that all measured dimensions-Diverse Teaching Practices, Cultural Engagement, Diverse Language Affirmation, Self-Efficacy, Outcome Expectations, and overall, Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices-are "evident". Among these, Diverse Teaching Practices and Diverse Language Affirmation have the highest values, indicating a strong presence in the educational setting.The findings of students' attitudes toward learning the English language reveal that all aspects measured are "very positive". The dimensions assessed include Attitude towards English Speakers, Integrative and Instrumental Orientation, Interest in English, Attitude towards English Class, and Attitude towards English Teacher. The highest mean score is observed for Attitude towards English Teacher, closely followed by Interest in English, indicating that students hold their teachers in high regard and have a strong interest in the language itself. Attitude towards English Speakers and Integrative and Instrumental Orientation both have the same level, reflecting very positive attitudes toward English-speaking individuals and the practical as well as intrinsic motivations for learning the language. Attitude towards English Class has a slightly lower but still very positive mean. Collectively, these findings suggest that students maintain a highly favorable attitude towards all aspects of learning English, which is crucial for fostering an effective and engaging learning environment.