Teach English in Lutai Zhen - Tianjin

TEFL for nonnativeTeachersIn the field of TEFL there is an increasing number of nonnative english speaking teachers (NNESTs). Some acquired english when they were a child, some when they were older. Some learned it when they studied english in formal academic settings, others in an informal learning environment through immersion. Despite the growing number, nonnative teachers are often still underestimated by employers, colleagues and students. Also, native english speakers without teaching qualifications have generally a bigger chance to find employment than qualified and experienced NNESTs. Nevertheless, many professionals claim that both native and nonnative teachers should hold teaching qualifications. Furthermore, NNESTs are believed to have many benefits compared to their native colleagues. Advantages of NNESTs The advantage of NNESTs is that they have gone through the process of learning the language, and have been trained to teach it. Thus, we can argue that they are better prepared to help students with particular linguistic problems, especially if they are teaching students who share their mother tongue. Nonnative teachers definitely have many benefits when it comes to understanding the TEFL learning process, since they have first-hand experience in learning and using a second language, and a bigger awareness of language categories and structures. Also, a great part of the learning process took part in their late teenage years, which means that they are more capable of understanding the rationale behind what is taught. Nonnative accent The accent of NNESTs has often been the reason for employers to prefer native candidates. Research has shown that teachers with a foreign accent were considered to be less qualified and less effective than their native-english-speaking colleagues. Also, findings suggest that native speakers of different international varieties of english, such as India, were considered less credible and less competent teachers than those who come from Great Britain, the united states, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, despite their accent, we should bear in mind that english is nowadays a global language, with many varieties in accents. Therefore, nonnative qualified and experienced teachers should not be considered to be less competent than native teachers. NNESTs and Teacher Training Although employment discrimination still occurs, NNESTs are beginning to be considered as equal partners in the field of TEFL. Native teachers have generally more advantages in terms of language proficiency and culture, however, teacher training programs can help and train NNESTs how to use the target language, how to teach in culturally appropriate ways, and how to behave appropriately in the target culture. In the last few years, universities and TEFL institutions have admitted an increasing number of nonnative students into their teacher training programs. At many universities and institutions, native- and nonnative-english-speaking teachers work together and share ideas, experiences and strengths, which is favorable for all. Many studies have been conducted with native- and nonnative-english-speaking teachers showing positive results for both parties, as they share their approaches and abilities from their different cultural, linguistic, and educational backgrounds. Conclusion Experienced and qualified nonnative english speaking teachers have shown to contribute in meaningful ways to the field of TEFL due to their own experiences as english language learners and their teaching experience and training. Due to the recognition of their advantages compared to native teachers, the development of innovative curricula in teacher training programs, collaborations between native- and nonnative-english-speaking teachers, and the development of english as a global mean of communication, the position of NNESTs is improving in the field of english language teaching.