Native teacher of English in EFL classroom

SUMMARY

EXISTING KNOWLEDGE:

1. Native English Teacher Advantage: Prior studies suggest that native English-speaking teachers are valued for providing authentic language exposure, which benefits pronunciation, listening, and conversational skills in EFL classrooms.

2. Saudi EFL Context: English teaching in Saudi Arabia prioritizes fluency, driven by high demand for English proficiency in academia and the job market.

3. Cultural Impact on Language Acquisition: The cultural gap between native teachers and Saudi students affects language comprehension and student engagement, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity in classrooms.

NEW INSIGHTS FROM THIS STUDY:

1. Native Teachers as Cultural Facilitators: The study reveals that native teachers also act as cultural facilitators, helping students navigate cross-cultural understanding, which boosts language learning interest and participation.

2. Focus on Practical Communication Skills: Native teachers in Saudi EFL classrooms emphasize practical skills, particularly oral fluency, meeting students' needs for real-life communication beyond grammar.

3. Challenges in Classroom Management: Native teachers face classroom management challenges due to differing cultural expectations about authority and behavior, which can impact learning dynamics.

PUTTING RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE:

1. Cultural Sensitivity Training for Teachers: Cultural sensitivity training can help native teachers bridge cultural gaps, creating an inclusive, effective learning environment.

2. Integrating Practical Language Skills: Schools can emphasize real-world language use by balancing oral fluency with grammar instruction, preparing students for practical communication.

3. Support for Classroom Management: Schools could provide support to help native teachers adapt to Saudi classroom norms, such as mentorship or orientation, fostering an environment aligned with students' cultural expectations and enhancing learning.

REFERENCE:

Article Title: The Effective a Native Teacher of English Language in Saudi Arabia EFL Classroom

Authors: Majed Abu Journal: International Journal of English Language Teaching Year: 2023