Research on Strategies for Cultivating Cultural Awareness in Junior High School English under the Background of the New Curriculum Standards

Abstract

The 2022 edition of China’s Compulsory Education English Curriculum Standards identifies cultural awareness as a key part of core competencies, emphasizing its role in shaping student’ cross‑cultural understanding and value orientation. However, cultural awareness cultivation often stays on the surface in junior high English classrooms. This happens because of exam pressure, limited time, and unclear teaching guidance. This study focuses on the eighth-grade English textbook (PEP, Volume 2) and classroom observations at Shangrao Jingkai District Middle School. Its purpose is to find practical ways to develop cultural awareness. Through textbook analysis and case analysis of listening-speaking and reading lessons, the study identifies three main obstacles: monotonous teaching methods, limited time, and cultural content not used deeply enough. Based on these findings, the study proposes several strategies, including unit-wide cultural teaching, stronger cultural comparison, creative use of multimedia, and diversified evaluation. The results provide research-based references for junior high English teachers who want to bring cultural awareness into daily instruction.