AsiaTEFL Logo        The Journal of Asia TEFL
   
The Journal of Asia TEFL
Articles By Subject
Current Issue
Past Issues
Special Issue
Information of the Journal
Editorial Board
Submission Guidelines
Ethical Guidelines
Manuscript Submission
Journal Order
Search
Today 174
Total 3,773,936
Current Issue
Go List

Volume 9 Number 3, Autumn 2012, Pages 1-187   


PDF Download
   

Examining Student Perspectives on the Differences between Native and Non-native Language Teachers

    Enchong Liaw


This study investigates Taiwanese university student attitudes toward native English speaking teachers (NESTs) and non-native English speaking teachers (NNESTs) and examines the fallacy of native speaking from a student perspective. In total, 206 university students from Northern Taiwan responded to the questionnaire. The results suggest that (a) language skills, (b) purposes, and (c) levels of learning affect student selection of language teachers. More important, NNESTs were believed to be better at various aspects of learning, especially test preparation. This study examines NESTs and NNESTs from a student perspective and reminds English educators and parents that they should re-examine the role and influence of NESTs, especially in English as a foreign language contexts.

Keywords: native speakers, non-native English speaking teachers, EFL, university students