Examining teaching behaviour of NNESTs and NESTs in Hong Kong through classroom observations

Authors

  • Lai Ping Florence Ma Macquarie University

Keywords:

NNESTs, NET Scheme, teaching behaviour, Hong Kong

Abstract

Previous research found differences in the perceived teaching behaviour of nonnative English speaking teachers (NNESTs) and native English speaking teachers (NESTs). However, findings were mainly based on analysing teacher or student perceptions and very limited classroom-based research has been conducted to verify these findings. This paper reports on a study which examined the teaching behaviour of NNESTs and NESTs through classroom observations in three secondary schools in Hong Kong (where they are referred to as LETs and NETs respectively). Data were collected primarily from 13 video-recorded lessons and supplemented by 11 post-lesson teacher interviews and field notes. Participants were three pairs of NNESTs and NESTs who had the opportunity to co-teach a class in these schools. Interviews were fully transcribed and classroom observation data were analysed through open observation and close observation (Richards, 2003). The teaching behaviour was examined in terms of classroom atmosphere, examination preparation for students, examination-oriented teaching and classroom activities. Results show that the observed differences in the teaching behaviour between NNESTs and NESTs were not as clear cut as perceived. This study has important methodological contributions, indicating the need for examining teaching behaviour through classroom-based research. This study may help teachers to reflect upon their teaching practices and has practical implications for teacher duty allocation.

 

Author Biography

  • Lai Ping Florence Ma, Macquarie University

    Dr Lai Ping Florence Ma is a lecturer in EFL at Macquaire University in Sydney. Prior to obtaining her PhD in Linguistics from the Department of Linguistics at the same university, she has had extensive  English teaching experience in Hong Kong and Australia. Her research interests include the issues of NNESTs, adult migrant English learning, bilingualism, and academic literacy.

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Published

2016-10-30

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Examining teaching behaviour of NNESTs and NESTs in Hong Kong through classroom observations. (2016). The Asian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 3(2), 199-215. https://caes.hku.hk/ajal/index.php/ajal/article/view/386