The Role of Ethical Questions in EFL Education : A Qualitative Content Analysis of Ethical Questions in EFL Coursebooks

Sammanfattning

The aim of this study is to explore how ethical questions are incorporated in Swedish EFL coursebooks aimed at English level 1 in upper secondary school, and what functions ethical questions may have. The study adopts a qualitative content analysis with close reading of three EFL coursebooks. The theoretical framework consists of curriculum theory, which involves how teaching material adapts to the curriculum, and Biesta’s function of education, which involves the development of skills, societal values and an independent perspective. The results show that ethical questions are incorporated in the coursebooks predominantly in different task sections. Furthermore, the results show that ethical questions function as a tool for language development, support for pupils’ development as independent and morally aware individuals, as well as a pathway for critical thinking. The results show that ethical questions are incorporated and fulfil valuable functions for pupils’ development.