Abstract
English, as a global language, plays a vital role in international communication. In Thailand, Filipino English teachers significantly contribute to bilingual education by bridging cultural gaps and enhancing learning experiences. This study employed a predictive correlational design to examine how Thai students’ cultural awareness of Filipino culture influences their attitudes toward Filipino teachers. It aimed to determine whether greater cultural awareness fosters more positive attitudes and to identify specific cultural factors shaping these perceptions. The study involved 125 Grade 6 bilingual students from a public primary school in Chonburi, Thailand, who completed validated questionnaires addressing their demographic profiles, cultural awareness, and attitudes. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA to explore differences in attitudes based on demographic factors and multiple regression to identify predictors of attitudes. The results revealed a strong positive correlation between cultural awareness and attitudes, with cultural adaptability, sensitivity, and teaching passion identified as key predictors of favorable perceptions. Students expressed positive views on Filipino teachers’ teaching abilities and language skills, while demographic factors such as age and gender showed no significant influence. This study highlights the importance of fostering cultural awareness to improve student-teacher relationships in multicultural settings, emphasizing culturally responsive teaching to enhance effective and inclusive education.
