Nonnative English Speaking Teachers (NNESTs) versus Native English Speaking Students: Perceptions

Nonnative English Speaking Teachers (NNESTs) versus Native English Speaking Students: Perceptions

The study aims to answer two questions: (a) what perceptions do NNESTs have about teaching native English speaking (NES) students? (b) what perceptions do NES students have of their NNESTs? The study participants were four NNESTs and 17 NES students. Data were collected through one-on-one interviews, which were analyzed qualitatively. Major study findings showed the differences between the NNESTs and their NES students in the area of teaching and language performance. The NNESTs were perceived by their students as using ineffective teaching techniques, lacking in their command of English, especially accent; the NNESTs, in turn, perceived themselves as well-prepared teachers with not too much concern about nonnativeness of English, and felt that their students were not actively engaged in their class. The present study indicates, for both NNESTs and NES students, the need to be aware of World Englishes (WE) in terms of language and pedagogy. This involves the variety of Englishes, especially with different accents existence among nonnative speakers, and the variety of learning and teaching methods in English class, where both need to create a balance between the old and new perspective to maintain a middle ground.