Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 12-2025

Abstract

The focus of this study is culture within the New Mexico high school world language

curriculum. Culture, as a topic, over time has evolved from near nonexistence to

becoming a fundamental element helping students derive multilingual and multicultural

understanding.

This study is an effort to reveal practices high school teachers use to teach, discuss and

evaluate cultural understanding. It uses qualitative interviews with high schools world

language teachers. Practices are evaluated against research findings and analyzed for

reliability and effectiveness. Findings will help with curriculum design for world language

application.

Overall, the study’s findings were positive. Interviewed teachers generally incorporate

culture in an effective manner. There are, though, a couple of areas worthy of further

investigation: how to establish and derive value from a ‘community of practice’ and how

to better evaluate student learning.

Culture is an important topic. Teaching it well helps students develop understanding of

others and of themselves.

In the state of New Mexico, delivering a multicultural and equitable curriculum is a

priority. This study will help with the endeavor.

Keywords

world languages, culture, secondary education, New Mexico, curriculum, community of practice

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

Degree Name

Secondary Education

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Trenia Walker

Second Committee Member

Dr. Allison Borden

Third Committee Member

Mr. Daniel Pastrana

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