INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES FOR DEVELOPING INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING: INSIGHTS FROM HIGHER EDUCATION CONTEXTS
INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES FOR DEVELOPING INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING: INSIGHTS FROM HIGHER EDUCATION CONTEXTS

Summary/Abstract: The internationalization of higher education has significantly transformed the goals of English language teaching, shifting the focus from linguistic proficiency toward the development of intercultural competence, student engagement, and cultural adaptability. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between intercultural competence, language learning theories, and innovative teaching techniques in university English language classrooms. The research investigates how contemporary pedagogical practices contribute to the development of intercultural competence and enhance student engagement in higher education. The study adopts a qualitative comparative research design based on document analysis, semi-structured interviews with university lecturers, and classroom observations. Thematic and comparative analysis were used to identify recurring patterns linking intercultural competence, sociocultural language learning theories, and innovative teaching practices. The results indicate that the integration of communicative language teaching, culturally responsive pedagogy, and reflective teaching was perceived by lecturers and observed in classroom interaction as increasing student participation and promoting openness to diverse perspectives. Authentic communication tasks, collaborative learning, and technology-mediated intercultural interaction emerged as key factors supporting cultural adaptability. The findings highlight the importance of integrating intercultural competence into curriculum design and assessment in order to prepare students for communication in multicultural academic and professional environments. The study contributes to the ongoing discussion on internationalization in higher education and provides recommendations for lecturers, institutions, and researchers interested in innovative language teaching practices

• Details
• Contents