Sociocultural Theory in Practice: Addressing Issues Affecting English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teaching-Learning in Hail Remote Schools

Sociocultural theory aims to explain how physical and cultural environments shape learning. The research uses Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory as the lens to investigate sociocultural issues faced by EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers in remote areas. Teaching in these areas presents difficulties and obstacles due to geographic distance. This qualitative study was designed to investigate the difficulties encountered by EFL instructors from schools in isolated villages of Hail, Saudi Arabia. Using semi-structured individual interviews with eight EFL teachers, the research uncovers various obstacles affecting the efficacy of EFL teaching. The primary issues identified are religious conservatism and cultural differences, lack of support from family and environment, geographic distance and resource constraints, and lack of awareness of future opportunities. The study highlights how differences in educational quality are made worse due to geographic remoteness. The project seeks to improve EFL instruction in remote places by offering a deeper knowledge of these issues, ultimately working towards equity in learning environments.