Integrating gender awareness into EFL pedagogy: Insights from Indonesia's Islamic universities

Budi Waluyo
Walailak University, Thailand
Anita
Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Fatmawati Sukarno Bengkul, Indonesia

The significance of gender awareness in education has been acknowledged, yet insights into the conceptions of gender awareness among students and lecturers at religiously affiliated higher education institutions remain sparse. To bridge this knowledge gap, the present research adopted a phenomenological approach, investigating the experiences related to English language teaching and learning of 42 students and 18 lecturers at Islamic-based universities in Indonesia, utilising a combination of surveys and written interviews as research methods. Analysis of the survey data indicated a pronounced recognition among participants of the role of gender dynamics within educational settings. Further, thematic examination of interview responses unveiled a unified dedication to creating learning environments that are both inclusive and fair, underlining the critical role of gender equality in the context of English language education. While students called for a curriculum that features inclusive content, language, and resources, lecturers highlighted the necessity of broadening representation, ensuring equality of opportunity, and embedding gender awareness within both professional development endeavours and teaching methodologies. Common across both participant groups was the articulation of the need to remove gender biases and stereotypes from educational content and to weave real-world scenarios into the educational narrative, enhancing the relevance and impact of gender awareness initiatives.
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Authors: Dr Budi Waluyo is an assistant professor in the School of Languages and General Education at Walailak University, Thailand. He holds a BA from the University of Bengkulu, Indonesia, an MA from the University of Manchester, UK, and a PhD from Lehigh University, USA. He is recognised as a Fellow by the UK's Higher Education Academy (FHEA). His research spans English language teaching, educational technology, and international education. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1919-2068 Email: budi.business.waluyo@gmail.com Ms Anita (corresponding author) is currently a lecturer at Universitas Islam Negeri Fatmawati Sukarno Bengkulu ('UINFAS Bengkulu'), Indonesia. After graduating from the University of Sanata Dharma, Yogyakarta, her research interests lie at the intersection of language education and educational sociology. She explores TEFL methodologies, gender dynamics in teacher education, and the impact of private tutoring and shadow education on student outcomes. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3473-485X Email: anita@mail.uinfasbengkulu.ac.id Please cite as: Waluyo, B. & Anita (2024). Integrating gender awareness into EFL pedagogy: Insights from Indonesia's Islamic universities. Issues in Educational Research, 34(3), 1180-1201. http://www.iier.org.au/iier34/waluyo.pdf