The Integration of Popular Culture in K-12 and Higher Education English Language Curricula

In this chapter, the authors present the approaches and benefits of integrating popular culture into the English language learning classroom. They provide background information on classroom use of technology and popular culture as well as student demographics. This chapter addresses counterarguments against the inclusion of popular culture for literacy development and explains why the advantages outweigh the concerns. Also discussing the teaching approaches that are supported by the incorporation of popular culture, the authors provide reasons and examples of effective curricula, including lessons, materials, and topics. The authors base their argument on research as well as personal experience to claim that the incorporation of popular culture will support linguistically and culturally responsive teaching approaches and will promote student engagement, connections, and motivation in ways that support learning for English language learners in both K-12 and higher education settings.