JEE (Journal of English Education)
Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): JEE (Journal of English Education)

RECONCEPTUALIZING TEFL MATERIALS: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF DECOLONIAL, CULTURAL, AND ECOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES

Sutarmo (State Islamic University of Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau)
Kalayo Hasibuan (Pascasarajana Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau)
Faurina Anastasia (State Islamic University of Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau)
Chandra Alfindodes (SMP Islam Al Azhar 37 Pekanbaru)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jun 2026

Abstract

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) materials are increasingly viewed not only as pedagogical tools but also as ideological, cultural, and ecological artifacts that shape learners’ understanding of language, identity, knowledge, and society. Despite this growing awareness, many EFL materials continue to privilege Western epistemologies, marginalize local knowledge systems, and provide limited attention to ecological concerns. This critical literature review synthesizes studies published between 2000 and 2025, with particular emphasis on recent scholarship from 2021–2025, to examine how decolonial, cultural, and ecological perspectives have been represented in TEFL materials research. Using thematic narrative synthesis, the review identifies several recurring themes: the persistence of Western-centered representation, uneven integration of local cultural knowledge, limited incorporation of ecological perspectives, and the emerging influence of digital and AI-mediated materials. Unlike previous studies that discuss these perspectives separately, this review integrates them into a unified framework grounded in epistemic justice, contextual relevance, and sustainability awareness. The study contributes a conceptual framework for transformative materials development and highlights implications for textbook design, teacher education, and future research, particularly in Global South contexts.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

JEE

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

JEE (Journal of English Education) is a scientific journal that collects the results of the research and scientific work of lecturers, teachers, or students associated with learning and teaching English. It is a blind peer review international journal which publishes manuscripts within the fields of ...