While several studies have examined teachers’ and learners’ perceptions of effective English language teacher attributes, few have directly focused on social science students’ perceptions despite their large representation in many universities, particularly in Thailand. This mixed-methods study aims to examine how Thai EFL social science students perceive 45 attributes of effective English language teachers. These attributes, drawn from previous research, were classified into five categories: delivery, fairness, rapport, knowledge and credibility, and organization and preparation. Two hundred and two undergraduate students from various social science programs at a private university in Thailand were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data were collected through questionnaires and focus group interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, whereas qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The findings from both data sources were highly consistent and largely supported theoretical propositions on effective English language teaching attributes. Among the five categories, rapport was rated as the most important, followed by knowledge and credibility, fairness, organization and preparation, and delivery, respectively. Teachers’ enthusiasm was rated as the most important individual attribute, while asking questions and randomly calling students to answer received the lowest ratings. The study provides valuable insights into how English language teachers can effectively engage and interact with social science students, who constitute a large proportion of university populations. It also offers implications for professional development trainers and educational administration.

Authors:
Kanchana Cheewasukthaworn, Rangsit University, Thailand

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Kanchana is a lecturer at Rangsit English Language Institute, Rangsit University. Her research interests include EFL teachers’ and learners’ perceptions, intercultural communicative competence, and language testing and assessment.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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