Category Archives: Use of instructional material

Welcome to Second Quarterly Issue of ELT Choutari-2025, 17(114)

Academic writing, AI in Language, Creative Writing, Critical Pedagogy, ELT Resource, English as a Global Language, English Medium Instruction, Language planning and policy, mother tongue based multilingual education, Professional Development, Reading, reflection, Reflections, Research paper, Teacher identity, Teacher Training, Teacher's Experience/anecdotes, Teachers' narratives, Technology in ELT, under-resourced class, Use of instructional material, , , , , , ,

Dear Valued Readers and Contributors,

Greetings!

We are pleased to announce the release of the Issue of ELT Choutari (October-December 2025). This issue presents a collection of reflective accounts from English language teachers and practitioners, offering diverse perspectives on teaching, learning, and research.

Since it is a generic issue, it includes articles from diverse fields of English language teaching in the context of Nepal. ELT Choutari is a platform to share the English language teachers’ experiences regarding their practices and experiences. This issue is the result of the same. For this, we are grateful to all the contributors. We encourage English language teachers and practitioners to contribute in the future issues as this can share and document our reflective practices.

The following section includes the contributors with the gist of their reflections. We hope their experiences and anecdotes will benefit our esteemed readers.

Mr. Dev Ram Joshi, in his article, explores the engagement of learners in English language learning through project-based learning integrated as internal assessment in the secondary level curriculum. His technical action research reflects that his students increased the time to study English subject, developed their writing skill including handwriting and composition skills and presentation skills such as pronunciation, clarity, and confidence. Meanwhile, they started to learn English by studying other reference materials as well.

Likewise, Mr. Dammar Singh Saud in his article drawing on personal experience and educational theories, argues for reflective, context-sensitive, collaborative, and well-resourced Teacher Professional Development. He advocated that, learning from countries like Finland and Singapore, Nepal must prioritise teacher agency, mentorship, digital readiness, and long-term systemic reform.

Similarly, Mr. Khem Raj Rauteda, in his article, reflects his experience implementing translanguaging pedagogy to enhance learner engagement in a multilingual secondary classroom in Nepal. Through reflecting on his role as a facilitator and co-learner, he found that translanguaging nurtured culturally responsive pedagogy, strengthened relationships, and empowered students, providing valuable insights for inclusive English language teaching in multilingual contexts.

Similarly, Mr. Janak Sigdel, in his article, explores the ongoing challenges of implementing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in rural community schools in Nepal. His reflection highlights key barriers, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of electricity, limited internet access, and low digital literacy among teachers. His article underscores the growing digital divide between urban and rural schools, advocating for policy interventions and capacity-building programmes to promote more equitable and sustainable ICT integration in education.

Likewise, Mr. Nar Bahadur Bist, in his article, deals with the complicated and changing nature of English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) in language planning and policy in Nepal. He discusses how English has established a dominant presence in the education system, as well as a larger presence in society, despite Nepal’s non-colonial relationship with Britain, shaping ideologies, creating inequalities, and affecting cultural identity.

Moreover, Mr. Arjun Jung Rayamajhi, in his article, discusses the integration of ChatGPT in English language teaching in Nepalese community schools with its opportunities and challenges. He argues that ChatGPT offers the possibility to experience a personalized learning process and support engagement growth in the underprivileged setting. However, it also emphasizes the significance of the human factor, critical thinking, and ethical competence.

For your convenience, here are the hyperlinks to the blog posts:

  1. Fostering Learner Investment in Nepalese EFL Classrooms through Project-Based Language Learning Approach by Dev Ram Joshi
  2. English Language Teacher Professional Development in Nepal: A Reflective Perspective by Dammar Singh Saud
  3. Enhancing Learner Engagement through Translanguaging Pedagogy: A Reflective Narrative from a Multilingual ELT Classroom in Nepal by Khem Raj Rauteda
  4. Implementing ICT in Rural Community Schools: A Reflective Journey from a Student to a Teacher by Janak Sigdel
  5. English Medium Craze in Community Schools: Issues of Linguistic Imperialism and Social Injustice by Nar Bahadur Bist
  6. Integrating ChatGPT in English Language Teaching in Nepalese Community Schools: Opportunities and Challenges by Arjun Jung Rayamajhi

Lastly, we extend heartfelt gratitude to all our editors and reviewers — Ganesh Kumar Bastola, Jeevan Karki, Dr. Nani Babu Ghimire, Dr. Jnanu Raj Poudel, Sagar Poudel, Binod Duwadi, Puskar Chaudhary, Dr. Yadu Prasad Gnawali, and Dasharath Rai—for their dedicated efforts in bringing this issue to completion.

ELT Choutari is a platform for researchers, scholars, educators, and practitioners to share insights, practices, and narratives from classrooms and communities. We invite you to contribute to our upcoming issue by submitting your articles and reflections to 2elt.choutari@gmail.com.

Happy Reading!

Lead Editor: Mohan Singh Saud

Co-Editor: Ganesh Kumar Bastola

 

Reflecting the Impact of Local Instructional Materials in Nepali Teacher Education

ELT Resource, Native Perspective, Research paper, Teacher's Experience/anecdotes, Use of instructional material, Use of local material in EFL, , ,
Sagar Paudel

Context

In this article, I explore the influence of locally and culturally accessible instructional materials in teacher education programs, emphasizing my reflections on their utilization by educators. This investigation stems from my research conducted during the completion of my M.Phil. Degree at Kathmandu University. The primary objective of my study was to examine the use, efficacy, and overall impact of integrating local and culturally available materials in teacher education programs across various universities. This research holds significance as it adds to the discourse on the globalization of education and underscores the importance of culturally sensitive pedagogical approaches.

Locally and Culturally Available Instructional Materials

In the Nepalese context, the availability of locally accessible resources has reshaped the landscape of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) educational materials. Various items, including folktales, traditional melodies, cultural artefacts, and local literature, prove effective in contextualizing subjects related to global language learning in an EFL classroom. Additionally, materials present in the campus library, such as newspapers, magazines, journals, and photos, can be utilized. Official documents released by institutions, such as notices, letters, brochures, and pamphlets, also serve as locally available materials. Teachers can collect photos and short video clips of local working people, and display them in the classroom through multimedia. Items like restaurant menus, stamps, and other local artefacts can further contribute to contextualizing classroom content. These instructional materials provide educators with a significant opportunity to create a vibrant and engaging learning environment

Use and Impact of Instructional Materials

Observing how effectively teachers integrated these materials into the university-prescribed subjects during my research was inspiring. There was a noticeable enhancement in both teacher and student engagement. Teachers reported a stronger connection to the material, enabling them to deliver courses more effectively. The resonance of these materials with their own experiences improved students’ motivation and enthusiasm for studying English in teacher education programs. Not only did locally and culturally relevant teaching materials prove to be valuable assets for language learning, but they also instilled a sense of pride in students for their culture and local environment. Incorporating these resources made the learning process more meaningful by bridging the gap between the local cultural context and the global language of English.

Teachers’ Viewpoints

During interviews with EFL teachers actively utilizing local resources, I observed a strong sense of empowerment and ownership. Recognizing their cultural heritage as a valuable asset in education, these teachers displayed a renewed passion for their work. Many teachers mentioned that incorporating locally relevant resources enhanced their teaching methods and broadened their understanding. They also noted an improvement in their students’ understanding and engagement in teaching-learning activities. Students not only learned English but also gained an understanding of the cultural contexts essential to the language, highlighting the interplay between language and culture. Teachers believed that a strong relationship between language and culture could bring about positive changes in teaching and learning tailored to the needs of the local context.

Relevancy of Locally and Culturally Available Instructional Materials

It is crucial not to overstate the significance of locally and culturally appropriate teaching resources in the Nepalese EFL environment. An increasing number of teachers recognize the importance of preserving and celebrating local cultures in the classroom as education becomes more globalized. The use of native or local resources establishes a connection between the need to preserve local identity and the global demand for English language proficiency. Participant teachers also emphasized the importance of using materials that contextualize global content in local contexts, facilitating effective student learning. Integrating local materials is not just an essential educational strategy but a necessity in a country like Nepal, given its diversity and richness in linguistic and cultural aspects.

My thoughts on Locally and Culturally Materials

The research I conducted serves as a stepping stone to further understanding the importance and relevance of using locally and culturally available assets in teaching-learning activities. My experience as a researcher has been thoughtful and intimate. Witnessing the positive and transformational effects of such instructional resources emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in educational methods. This has strengthened my belief that learning should be a lively and contextual process, tailored to each student’s specific needs and surroundings. Beyond target language literature, materials from native languages, folklore, cultural heritages, traditions, and locally available resources like newspapers, magazines, journals, brochures, pamphlets, photos, and audio-video clips of local culture and settings have proven to be valuable instructional materials. The universality of cultural significance and contextualization encourages the exploration of similar approaches in various educational conditions worldwide.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the challenges that arise when conducting research in the local native context of different communities. Curriculum designers and policymakers should prioritize the incorporation of local and cultural materials in teacher education programs, as teachers are the primary change agents in society. When teachers possess knowledge and pride in local and cultural materials, they are more likely to integrate these resources into the classroom. This, in turn, encourages students to engage in learning as they see their local and cultural context reflected in their studies. Therefore, addressing the need for effective teacher education programs, establishing uniform curriculum guidelines, and constructing a supportive policy framework focused on the use of local and cultural instructional materials is essential.

Finally, a promising avenue for transformative education lies in the use of locally and culturally appropriate instructional materials in EFL teacher education programs in Nepal, as explored in my research. The benefits to educators, learners, and the broader educational landscape underscore how this approach can enhance language learning outcomes and foster cultural pride. I hope that my study contributes to the growing body of knowledge that envisions education as a dynamic, socially conscious enterprise. It serves as a call to action for researchers, educators, and policymakers to collaborate in the ongoing discourse on the direction of language education. The diverse blend of innovation and tradition in the Nepalese context offers inspiration for educators worldwide seeking to create inclusive and culturally relevant learning environments.

About the Author: Sagar Paudel earned an MPhil in English Language Education (ELE), from Kathmandu University, Nepal. Mr. Poudel is an associate professor at Adhikabi Bhanubhakta Campus (TU), Damauli, Nepal. Mr Poudel currently serves as the Head of the Department cum Assistant Campus chief at the Campus.