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.
Keywords
Download Citation
Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS)BibTeX
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 DOI: 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 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315094922
- 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21832/9781853596773
- Darling-Hammond, L. (2017). Effective teacher professional development. Palo Alto: Learning Policy Institute. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54300/122.311
- 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0022487102053002003
- Gay, G. (2010). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice. Teachers College Press. DOI: https://doi.org/10.65528/9780807776704
- Gilmore, A. (2007). Authentic materials and authenticity in foreign language learning. Language Teaching, 40(2), 97-118. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0261444807004144 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccs064
- Hockly, N. (2015). Technology in English language teaching: A critical overview. ELT Journal, 69(3), 251-261. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccv020 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004217652
- 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. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203846223
- 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: 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 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/tesq.3009