A Study on Classroom Teaching Practice of “Telling China’s Stories in English” from the Perspective of Cultural Confidence
Abstract
Against the backdrop of cultural confidence becoming a defining theme of the times, the Compulsory Education English Curriculum Standards (2022 Edition) identifies cultural awareness as a key component of the core competencies in the English subject, requiring students to “tell China’s stories well in English.” This paper argues that achieving this goal in junior high school English classrooms requires grounding teaching in the cultural elements of the textbook and guiding students from cultural understanding toward cultural expression through the creation of immersive contexts, the design of tiered tasks, and the implementation of project-based learning. Drawing on typical units from the PEP Grade 8 and Grade 9 textbooks, this study explores “China stories” resources such as traditional festivals, traditional crafts, and modern achievements. Using the lesson “Beauty in Common Things” from Unit 5, Grade 9 as a specific case, it presents a practical pathway for classroom teaching, reflects on teaching effectiveness and areas for improvement, and aims to provide frontline teachers with actionable strategic references.