Narratives of Bilingual Parents on the Real-Life Use of English Language: Materials for English Language Teaching Curriculum

Abstract

This study aimed to absorb the narratives from the parents on the using of the English Language in terms of utilizing their stories in the different levels of curriculum development, such as teaching activities and strategies. The study analyzed the narratives on their diverse experiences with the English Language and how these stories can contribute to the development of the English Language Teaching (ELT) curriculum. This study was exploratory research that used narratives of bilingual parents from Zamboanga City, Philippines, as the foundation for real-life application of the English language. Forty (40) bilingual parents, who have children as learners of the English Language, were interviewed extensively to navigate their experiences in their real professional lives to extract important stories where the use of the English Language was important for many purposes. Results revealed that the narratives of the bilingual parents, which included real-life examples of using the English Language, can contribute to a better curriculum design for ELT, relevant and timely production of learning materials, and better training programs for teachers on activities and teaching strategies. These narratives are collaborative materials for the schools to consider in designing the English Language Teaching Curriculum. The real-life applications of the English language increase the authenticity and practical value of specific ELT strategies and other teaching-learning styles