C U R R I C U L U M

C ON T E X T U A LI Z A T I O N ,
LOCAL I Z AT IO N A N D
IND I G E N I Z A T I ON
N E . E S G U E R R A
GIE M I
MARIA AR t er Te ac h er I
Mas
What is contextualization
The DepEd defines contextualization
as educational processes relating
the curriculum to a particular setting,
situation, or application area to make
the competencies relevant ,
meaningful,
Contextualization
Refers to the educational
process of relating the curriculum to a
setting situation or area of application
to make the competencies relevant,
meaningful and useful to all learners.
 Why is contextualization important
in teaching?
Contextualized curriculum helps

students learn language skills by

teaching the skills using the authentic
contexts in which students must use
those skills in the real world.
 Contextualizing curriculum is
effective both for community –
based and workplace classes
What is Contextualized Learning

Learning takes place when teachers

present information so that students
construct meaning from their own
frame of experience
Example of contextualization in teaching
For example, students might be
tasked with researching the
environmental impact of a proposed
development project in their
community
By contextualizing the material
in this way, students can learn
how to apply what they are
learning to solve real-world
problems
What is localization?
 Localization is a direct response to
the traditional design of teaching
which is inflexible and irrelevant to
the learners' lives. It relates the
curriculum of teaching and learning of
a specific subject to local conditions or
environment.
What does localization means?
Process of defining parts or components of
the curriculum at community/local or school
level, normally with the involvement of local
staff, stakeholders and institutions, so as to
address issues that are locally relevant and
allow for more meaningful learning
experiences
How important is localization to teachers?
It helps teachers and students
comprehend concepts by relating and
presenting a lesson in the context of the
prevailing local environment, culture,
and resources. Hence, lessons are
becoming more real-life, customized,
and appropriate.
Why do we need to localize and contextualized
the curriculum and use the learning materials?

Contextualizing the curriculum can help

students see how their studies are relevant to
their lives, making them more engaged and
motivated to learn. It also helps them to make
connections between different subject areas,
which can deepen their understanding of the
material
 Localization can help you with your
expansion efforts by making sure your
eLearning content connects with the
groups of people you wish to target.
Localization allows you to speak their
language and helps your content be
more culturally relevant to better
resonate with your learners during
Summary: In localization, information
is not just translated from one language
to another, but rather is adapted to
effectively convey the same meaning in
the target culture. Read about effective
eLearning localization strategies in this
article.
What Are The Most Effective eLearning
Localization Strategies?

Learning becomes more meaningful when

it is culturally relevant and engaging.
English might be a global language, but
when it comes to learning, many people are
more comfortable with learning in their
native tongue.
 Translation and localization of eLearning content
for globally dispersed learners brings consistency in
training. Access the eBook on 
global translation strategies for in-depth insights into
making your eLearning globe-ready. Translation in
the simplest terms, is changing the language of the
content. It is not just the mechanical conversion of
words as translators pay special attention to grammar
and syntax. But, to meet the training standards of a
multicultural workforce, you need to go a step further.
This next step is localization.
 Localization of an eLearning course is
essentially making a course local. Information
is not just translated from one language to
another, but rather is adapted to more
effectively convey the same meaning in the
target culture. The end goal of localization is to
make content feel as if it was exclusively
created for the specific target country.
Localization ensures that training resonates
 Culture sensitivity plays a key role
in localization and defines the success of a
global training process. Below are some of
the effective localization strategies that
you can adapt to ensure a world-class
eLearning program:
1. Incorporate Cultural And Associated
Contextual Nuances
Apart from text, the eLearning course is
filled with numerous other elements that need
to be considered when adapting it for another
language and culture. Elements such as colors,
gestures, symbols, and humor invoke a
particular idea or feeling in people, depending
upon their country of origin.
 For e.g., some colors might be considered
sacred in some cultures, like the color Green
in the Middle East; a symbol might mean
something entirely different in different
regions. Since each of these elements has a
connotation that is as unique as its locale, it is
essential that this be adequately modified to
suit the target country.
2. Use Appropriate Images

Graphics play a huge role in giving an

eLearning course its unique cultural identity
. Images must be culturally appropriate and
acceptable to the target audience. To be able
to do this, the images used in the original
course must be interchangeable. Exercise
caution when using symbolic images and
gestures;
 for e.g., the two fingered peace sign or
thumbs up might mean something entirely
else in different countries. If you intend to
use the same images for all translated
versions, the images must be neutral by
excluding religious symbols, dresses, or any
other region-specific references.
3. Add Locale Flavors Appropriately
While the original content must be neutral,
locale flavors and culture-specific subtleties
must be incorporated while 
localizing the e-course. Something as simple as
adding a region-specific scenario in the
eLearning program or using local names and
places can amplify interest of the local
population. These allow foreign learners to
connect with the learning program, resulting in
 When learners see things that they
can relate to on the screen, their brains
automatically associate the
information with these things. These
associations greatly help in recollecting
and preserving the knowledge with
learners.
4. Use International Formats
Use internationally accepted formats for
units of time, currency, and measurements.
For e.g., the metric system, or 12 or 24-hour
value. By doing this during the localization
process, you can assure that there is no
ambiguity in your content. It avoids any
confusion for the new learners and assures
they gain knowledge that is 100% accurate.
 By using standardized formats, you
also pave the way for their future
convenience in grasping the subject
matter. So, maintain consistency across
all geographies to create a flawless
understanding among your global
users
5. Hire The Professionals
This can very well be the cornerstone of your localization
 strategy. Making an eLearning course ready for another
country is an extensive and time-consuming process. On top of
that, you need to consider a ton of parameters to get it
absolutely right. So, instead of venturing into this tremulous
territory all by yourself, it is best to hire professionals.
Professional native translators who are Subject Matter
Experts (SMEs) possess the skills required to incorporate
appropriate cultural variations and terminology into the
translated version. At the same time, they also possess the
necessary technical skills to make sure that the meaning of
your course isn’t lost in translation.
 Integrate world-class localization services
to effectively overcome all communication
barriers. Want to know more about making
your training program global? Check the 
eBook for comprehensive understanding of
translation and localization of eLearning
courses.
 Indigenization is the process by
which indigenous ways of knowing,
being doing, and relating are
incorporated into educational,
organizational, cultural and social
structures of the institution
 Indigenizing curriculum is about
transforming curriculum and
teaching
practices to include indigenous
knowledges.
Advantages of Indigenization
It ensures indigenous participation
There is development of local
technology
It leads to the acceleration of
industrial development
 Advantages of Indigenization
It reduces foreign control of the economy
It ensures self-reliance
It provides employment opportunity
It improves standard of living