Copyright (c) 2026 Asadullah Faizy, Nesar Ahmad Wahedi, Sakhi Murad Ghorianfar

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Investigating the Challenges and Strategies of Teaching English in Afghan EFL Multicultural Classrooms
Corresponding Author(s) : Asadullah Faizy
Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities,
Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): April
Abstract
This study investigates the challenges and strategies of teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in multicultural classrooms in Afghanistan. The classrooms in this country are mostly characterized by significant ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity. To collect data from participants, researchers employed a mixed-methods design, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. The research combines quantitative surveys from EFL university instructors across 15 Afghan universities. Moreover, qualitative interviews were conducted with EFL educators at Ghor University who were nearby and available to the researchers. Findings of this study indicate that, although most Afghan EFL instructors feel relaxed and enthusiastic in teaching multicultural classrooms, they also encounter challenges such as language diversity, cultural misunderstandings, differences in students’ backgrounds, and a lack of qualified and experienced teachers. Thus, participants and respondents in this study emphasized strategies for use in such settings, such as cultural diversity, collaborative learning, and integrating culturally relevant materials to enhance classroom engagement and inclusivity in multicultural settings. The study provides the crucial need for culturally responsive education and professional development to enhance EFL instruction. The findings of this study are significant for policymakers, educators, instructors, and curriculum developers seeking to improve the quality of language teaching and learning in Afghanistan’s diverse educational perspective.
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- Al-Azawei, A., Serenelli, F., & Lundqvist, K. (2016). The effectiveness of universal design for research on multicultural education (pp. 1-20). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.14434/josotl.v16i3.19295
- August, D., & Shanahan, T. (2017). Developing literacy in second-language learners: Report of the national literacy panel on language-minority children and youth. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.1080/10862960903340165
- Baker, W. (2018). Language and intercultural communication in the classroom: A case study of multilingual learners. Language and Intercultural Communication, 18(2), 123-138. https://doi.org/10.1080/14708477.2018.1544253
- Banks, J. A. (2008). An introduction to multicultural education. Pearson.
- Banks, J. A. (2010). Multicultural education: Characteristics and goals. Multicultural Education: Issues and Perspectives, 7, 3-32. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-2222-7_6
- Black, P., & William, D. (1998). Assessment and classroom learning. Assessment in Education: principles, policies & practice, 5(1), 7-74. https://doi.org/10.1080/0969595980050102
- Bourdieu, P., Passeron, J.-C. (1990). Reproduction in education, society and culture. Sage Publications.
- Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods. Oxford University Press.
- Byram, M. (2008). From foreign language education to education for intercultural citizenship: Essays and reflections (Vol. 17). Multilingual matters. https://doi.org/10.21832/9781847690807
- Cenoz, J., Gorter, D. (2015). Focus on multilingualism: A study of linguistic diversity in education. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 18(5), 493-507. https://doi.org/10.1080/13670050.2015.1042334
- Chen, H., Tzeng, J. (2019). The influence of learning styles on students’ academic performance in EFL contexts. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 10(3), 482-489. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230347823.0013
- Coffey, J. (2020). Understanding cultural differences in learning styles: Implications for EFL teaching. TESOL Journal, 11(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1949-3533.2002.tb00077.x
- Cortazzi, M., & Jin, L. (1999). Cultural mirrors: Materials and methods in the EFL classroom. In culture in second Language Teaching and Learning, 196-220. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203836507.ch34
- Crystal, D. (2003). English as a global language (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
- Cummins, J. (2000). Language, power and pedagogy: Bilingual children in the crossfire. Multilingual Matters.
- Darling-Hammond, L. (2017). Effective teacher professional development. Palo Alto: Learning Policy Institute.
- Deardorff, D. K. (2006). The identification and assessment of intercultural competence as a student outcome of internationalization. Journal of Studies in International Education, 10(3), 241-266. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315306287002
- Deiniatur, M., & Hasanah, U. (2024). Multicultural education of EFL classrooms in Indonesian Islamic Higher Education: Challenges and strategies. Pedagogy: Journal of English Language Teaching, 12(2), 158-177. https://doi.org/10.32332/joelt.v12i2.9542
- Dooly, M. (2008). Tele collaborative Language Learning: A guidebook to moderating global online exchange programs. Peter Lang.
- Dornyei, Z., Csizer, K. (2002). Ten commandments for motivating language learners: Results of an empirical study. Language Teaching Research, 6(3), 203-229. https://doi.org/10.1177/136216889800200303
- DuFour, R., Eaker, R. (1998). Professional learning communities at work: Best practices for enhancing student achievement. Solution Tree Press.
- Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
- Ertmer, P. A., Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A. T. (2010). Teacher technology change: How knowledge, confidence, beliefs, and culture intersect. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 42(3), 255-284. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2010.10782551
- Felder, R. M., Silverman, L. K. (1988). Learning and teaching styles in engineering education. Engineering Education, 78(7), 674-681. https://doi.org/10.1109/fie.1988.35029
- Fleming, N. D., Mills, C. (1992). Not another inventory, rather a catalyst for reflection. To Improve the Academy, 11(1), 137-155. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2334-4822.1992.tb00213.x
- Garcia, O., & Wei, L. (2015). Translanguaging, bilingualism, and bilingual education. The handbook of bilingual and multilingual education, 223-240. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118533406.ch13
- Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. Basic Books.
- Gay, G. (2002). Preparing for culturally responsive teaching. Journal of Teacher Education, 53(2), 106-116. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022487102053002003
- Gay, G. (2010). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice. Teachers College Press.
- Gilmore, A. (2007). Authentic materials and authenticity in foreign language learning. Language Teaching, 40(2), 97-118. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0261444807004144
- Godwin-Jones, R. (2018). Emerging technologies: Language learning technology: An Overview. Language Learning Technology, 22(1), 2-16. https://doi.org/10.64152/10125/44208
- Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007). The power of feedback. Review of educational research, 77(1), 81-112. https://doi.org/10.3102/003465430298487
- Hernandez, A. (2021). Cultural influences on classroom behavior: Understanding student participation in EFL settings. Language Education in Asia, 12(2), 150-165. https://doi.org/10.5296/ijl.v8i6.1026 5
- Hill, N. E., Tyson, D. F. (2009). Parental involvement in middle school: A meta-analytic assessment of the strategies that promote achievement. Developmental Psychology, 45(3), 740-763. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0015362
- Hockly, N. (2013). Technology in English language teaching: An overview. ELT Journal, 67(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/cct021
- Hockly, N. (2015). Technology in English language teaching: A critical overview. ELT Journal, 69(3), 251-261. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccv020
- Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions, and organizations across nations. Sage Publications.
- Hofstede, G., Hofstede, G. J., Minkov, M. (2010). Cultures and organizations: Software of the mind. International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, 10(1), 5-25. https://doi.org/10.1108/13527601111104269
- Holliday, A. (2016). Understanding intercultural communication: Negotiating a grammar of culture. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 55, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351139526
- Johnson, D. W., Johnson, R. T. (1999). Learning together and alone: Cooperative, Competitive, and Individualistic Learning. Allyn Bacon.
- Johnson, D. W., Johnson, R. T. (2009). An educational psychology success story: Social interdependence theory and cooperative learning. Educational Psychologist, 44(2), 99-104. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189x09339057
- Kang, H., Han, Z. (2019). Linguistic diversity in multilingual classrooms: Challenges and opportunities. International Journal of Multilingualism, 16(3), 333-348. https://doi.org/10.21832/9781847693488-004
- Khan, A., Iqbal, M. (2019). Challenges faced by EFL teachers in multicultural classrooms: A qualitative study. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 10(5), 1020-1027. https://doi.org/10.1515/9781501504143-015
- Kirkland, D. E., Sutherland, L. M. (2003). The Importance of Storytelling in the Classroom: A study of the impact of storytelling on student learning. The Reading Teacher, 56(1), 56-64. https://doi.org/10.1598/rt.64.1.6
- Ladson-Billings, G. (1994). The dreamkeepers: Successful teachers of African American children. Jossey-Bass.
- McKay, S. L. (2003). Teaching English as an international language: Identity, resistance, and negotiation. TESOL Quarterly, 37(3), 397-420. https://doi.org/10.21832/9781847690500-009
- Morrell, E., Duncan-Andrade, J. M. R. (2002). Promoting academic literacy with urban youth through engaging hip-hop culture. The English Journal, 91(6), 88-92. https://doi.org/10.58680/ej2002945
- Nawid, S., & Schiffman, H. (2012). Language policy in Afghanistan: Linguistic diversity and national unity. Language Policy and language conflict in Afghanistan and its neighbors: The changing politics of language choice, 31-52. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004217652_003
- Norton, B. (2000). Identity and language learning: Gender, ethnicity and educational change. Longman
- Nunan, D., & Baily, K. M. (2009). Exploring second language classroom research: A comprehensive guide. Boston: Heinle.
- Pandey, d. P. (2024). Multicultural classroom: challenges and opportunities for teachers. Population Dynamics, 8. https://doi.org/ 10.25215/1304536564.02
- Pennycook, A. (2010). Language as a Local Practice. Routledge.
- Sanders, M. G., Harvey, A. (2002). Beyond the classroom: The role of community in engaging families in student learning. The School Community Journal, 12(2), 27-38. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01985-7_6
- Sleeter, C. E., Grant, C. A. (2009). Theoretical frameworks in multicultural education. In the SAGE handbook of curriculum and instruction (pp. 32-50). SAGE Publications.
- Snow, C. E. (2010). Academic language and the challenge of reading for learning about science. science, 328(5977), 450-452. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1182597
- Stockwell, G. (2010). Using mobile phones for language learning: A review of the literature. ReCALL, 22(3), 335-350. https://doi.org/10.64152/10125/44216
- Swindler, A. (1986). Culture in action: Symbols and strategies. American Sociological Review, 273-286. https://doi.org/10.2307/2095521
- Thomas, J. W. (2000). A review of research on project-based learning. Autodesk Foundation.
- Thorne, S. L., Black, R. W. (2007). Language and the Internet: The role of technology in language learning. In handbook of language and literacy: Development and disorders (pp. 365-383). Guilford Press. https://doi.org/10.64152/10125/25197
- Tomlinson, C. A. (2001). How to differentiate instruction in mixed-ability classrooms? ASCD.
- Villegas, A. M., Lucas, T. (2002). Educating culturally responsive teachers: A coherent approach. State University of New York Press.
- Wang, Y. (2017). The role of multimedia in English language teaching: A review of the literature. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 8(4), 681-689. https://doi.org/10.29366/2017tlc.1.1.7
- Wood, D., Bruner, J. S., Ross, G. (1976). The role of tutoring in problem solving. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 17(2), 89-100. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.1976.tb00381.x
- Zhang, Y., Hiver, P. (2021). The role of community in language learning: Insights from a multicultural EFL classroom. TESOL Quarterly, 55(3), 671-694. https://doi.org/10.1002/tesq.3009
References
Al-Azawei, A., Serenelli, F., & Lundqvist, K. (2016). The effectiveness of universal design for research on multicultural education (pp. 1-20). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.14434/josotl.v16i3.19295
August, D., & Shanahan, T. (2017). Developing literacy in second-language learners: Report of the national literacy panel on language-minority children and youth. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.1080/10862960903340165
Baker, W. (2018). Language and intercultural communication in the classroom: A case study of multilingual learners. Language and Intercultural Communication, 18(2), 123-138. https://doi.org/10.1080/14708477.2018.1544253
Banks, J. A. (2008). An introduction to multicultural education. Pearson.
Banks, J. A. (2010). Multicultural education: Characteristics and goals. Multicultural Education: Issues and Perspectives, 7, 3-32. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-2222-7_6
Black, P., & William, D. (1998). Assessment and classroom learning. Assessment in Education: principles, policies & practice, 5(1), 7-74. https://doi.org/10.1080/0969595980050102
Bourdieu, P., Passeron, J.-C. (1990). Reproduction in education, society and culture. Sage Publications.
Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods. Oxford University Press.
Byram, M. (2008). From foreign language education to education for intercultural citizenship: Essays and reflections (Vol. 17). Multilingual matters. https://doi.org/10.21832/9781847690807
Cenoz, J., Gorter, D. (2015). Focus on multilingualism: A study of linguistic diversity in education. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 18(5), 493-507. https://doi.org/10.1080/13670050.2015.1042334
Chen, H., Tzeng, J. (2019). The influence of learning styles on students’ academic performance in EFL contexts. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 10(3), 482-489. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230347823.0013
Coffey, J. (2020). Understanding cultural differences in learning styles: Implications for EFL teaching. TESOL Journal, 11(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1949-3533.2002.tb00077.x
Cortazzi, M., & Jin, L. (1999). Cultural mirrors: Materials and methods in the EFL classroom. In culture in second Language Teaching and Learning, 196-220. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203836507.ch34
Crystal, D. (2003). English as a global language (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Cummins, J. (2000). Language, power and pedagogy: Bilingual children in the crossfire. Multilingual Matters.
Darling-Hammond, L. (2017). Effective teacher professional development. Palo Alto: Learning Policy Institute.
Deardorff, D. K. (2006). The identification and assessment of intercultural competence as a student outcome of internationalization. Journal of Studies in International Education, 10(3), 241-266. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315306287002
Deiniatur, M., & Hasanah, U. (2024). Multicultural education of EFL classrooms in Indonesian Islamic Higher Education: Challenges and strategies. Pedagogy: Journal of English Language Teaching, 12(2), 158-177. https://doi.org/10.32332/joelt.v12i2.9542
Dooly, M. (2008). Tele collaborative Language Learning: A guidebook to moderating global online exchange programs. Peter Lang.
Dornyei, Z., Csizer, K. (2002). Ten commandments for motivating language learners: Results of an empirical study. Language Teaching Research, 6(3), 203-229. https://doi.org/10.1177/136216889800200303
DuFour, R., Eaker, R. (1998). Professional learning communities at work: Best practices for enhancing student achievement. Solution Tree Press.
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
Ertmer, P. A., Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A. T. (2010). Teacher technology change: How knowledge, confidence, beliefs, and culture intersect. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 42(3), 255-284. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2010.10782551
Felder, R. M., Silverman, L. K. (1988). Learning and teaching styles in engineering education. Engineering Education, 78(7), 674-681. https://doi.org/10.1109/fie.1988.35029
Fleming, N. D., Mills, C. (1992). Not another inventory, rather a catalyst for reflection. To Improve the Academy, 11(1), 137-155. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2334-4822.1992.tb00213.x
Garcia, O., & Wei, L. (2015). Translanguaging, bilingualism, and bilingual education. The handbook of bilingual and multilingual education, 223-240. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118533406.ch13
Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. Basic Books.
Gay, G. (2002). Preparing for culturally responsive teaching. Journal of Teacher Education, 53(2), 106-116. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022487102053002003
Gay, G. (2010). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice. Teachers College Press.
Gilmore, A. (2007). Authentic materials and authenticity in foreign language learning. Language Teaching, 40(2), 97-118. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0261444807004144
Godwin-Jones, R. (2018). Emerging technologies: Language learning technology: An Overview. Language Learning Technology, 22(1), 2-16. https://doi.org/10.64152/10125/44208
Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007). The power of feedback. Review of educational research, 77(1), 81-112. https://doi.org/10.3102/003465430298487
Hernandez, A. (2021). Cultural influences on classroom behavior: Understanding student participation in EFL settings. Language Education in Asia, 12(2), 150-165. https://doi.org/10.5296/ijl.v8i6.1026 5
Hill, N. E., Tyson, D. F. (2009). Parental involvement in middle school: A meta-analytic assessment of the strategies that promote achievement. Developmental Psychology, 45(3), 740-763. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0015362
Hockly, N. (2013). Technology in English language teaching: An overview. ELT Journal, 67(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/cct021
Hockly, N. (2015). Technology in English language teaching: A critical overview. ELT Journal, 69(3), 251-261. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccv020
Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions, and organizations across nations. Sage Publications.
Hofstede, G., Hofstede, G. J., Minkov, M. (2010). Cultures and organizations: Software of the mind. International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, 10(1), 5-25. https://doi.org/10.1108/13527601111104269
Holliday, A. (2016). Understanding intercultural communication: Negotiating a grammar of culture. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 55, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351139526
Johnson, D. W., Johnson, R. T. (1999). Learning together and alone: Cooperative, Competitive, and Individualistic Learning. Allyn Bacon.
Johnson, D. W., Johnson, R. T. (2009). An educational psychology success story: Social interdependence theory and cooperative learning. Educational Psychologist, 44(2), 99-104. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189x09339057
Kang, H., Han, Z. (2019). Linguistic diversity in multilingual classrooms: Challenges and opportunities. International Journal of Multilingualism, 16(3), 333-348. https://doi.org/10.21832/9781847693488-004
Khan, A., Iqbal, M. (2019). Challenges faced by EFL teachers in multicultural classrooms: A qualitative study. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 10(5), 1020-1027. https://doi.org/10.1515/9781501504143-015
Kirkland, D. E., Sutherland, L. M. (2003). The Importance of Storytelling in the Classroom: A study of the impact of storytelling on student learning. The Reading Teacher, 56(1), 56-64. https://doi.org/10.1598/rt.64.1.6
Ladson-Billings, G. (1994). The dreamkeepers: Successful teachers of African American children. Jossey-Bass.
McKay, S. L. (2003). Teaching English as an international language: Identity, resistance, and negotiation. TESOL Quarterly, 37(3), 397-420. https://doi.org/10.21832/9781847690500-009
Morrell, E., Duncan-Andrade, J. M. R. (2002). Promoting academic literacy with urban youth through engaging hip-hop culture. The English Journal, 91(6), 88-92. https://doi.org/10.58680/ej2002945
Nawid, S., & Schiffman, H. (2012). Language policy in Afghanistan: Linguistic diversity and national unity. Language Policy and language conflict in Afghanistan and its neighbors: The changing politics of language choice, 31-52. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004217652_003
Norton, B. (2000). Identity and language learning: Gender, ethnicity and educational change. Longman
Nunan, D., & Baily, K. M. (2009). Exploring second language classroom research: A comprehensive guide. Boston: Heinle.
Pandey, d. P. (2024). Multicultural classroom: challenges and opportunities for teachers. Population Dynamics, 8. https://doi.org/ 10.25215/1304536564.02
Pennycook, A. (2010). Language as a Local Practice. Routledge.
Sanders, M. G., Harvey, A. (2002). Beyond the classroom: The role of community in engaging families in student learning. The School Community Journal, 12(2), 27-38. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01985-7_6
Sleeter, C. E., Grant, C. A. (2009). Theoretical frameworks in multicultural education. In the SAGE handbook of curriculum and instruction (pp. 32-50). SAGE Publications.
Snow, C. E. (2010). Academic language and the challenge of reading for learning about science. science, 328(5977), 450-452. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1182597
Stockwell, G. (2010). Using mobile phones for language learning: A review of the literature. ReCALL, 22(3), 335-350. https://doi.org/10.64152/10125/44216
Swindler, A. (1986). Culture in action: Symbols and strategies. American Sociological Review, 273-286. https://doi.org/10.2307/2095521
Thomas, J. W. (2000). A review of research on project-based learning. Autodesk Foundation.
Thorne, S. L., Black, R. W. (2007). Language and the Internet: The role of technology in language learning. In handbook of language and literacy: Development and disorders (pp. 365-383). Guilford Press. https://doi.org/10.64152/10125/25197
Tomlinson, C. A. (2001). How to differentiate instruction in mixed-ability classrooms? ASCD.
Villegas, A. M., Lucas, T. (2002). Educating culturally responsive teachers: A coherent approach. State University of New York Press.
Wang, Y. (2017). The role of multimedia in English language teaching: A review of the literature. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 8(4), 681-689. https://doi.org/10.29366/2017tlc.1.1.7
Wood, D., Bruner, J. S., Ross, G. (1976). The role of tutoring in problem solving. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 17(2), 89-100. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.1976.tb00381.x
Zhang, Y., Hiver, P. (2021). The role of community in language learning: Insights from a multicultural EFL classroom. TESOL Quarterly, 55(3), 671-694. https://doi.org/10.1002/tesq.3009
Accepted 2026-04-28
Published 2026-04-30