Evelín Ojeda Naveda and Tim Reed Robinson

Introductions

1st Round: The use of English

2nd Round: The general attitude

3rd Round: The attitude to teaching the language

The decision: Keys to being a better English language teacher

Name: Tim Reed Robinson

Origin: USA

Workplace: English Language Fellow at Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador in Maracay, Venezuela

Accomplishments: Has taught ESL/EFL in several countries to a wide variety of levels and ages

Name: Evelín Ojeda Naveda

Origin: Valencia, Venezuela.

Workplace: Universidad de Carabobo. Faculty of Education. Modern Languages Department.

Accomplishments: has taught Spanish, ESL and EFL at all levels in Venezuela and England for the last 12 years.

1.- Is it always better to have a native speaker in the language classroom?

2.- What do you think the myths in ELT are when it comes to NNESTs and NESTs?

3.- What are the challenges you think a NNEST has in ELT?

Is Native the goal?

Are NESTs always right? How about NNESTs?

Do you remember having NESTs or NNESTswhen learning English in high shool? Werethere any differences in the use of Englishin the classroom?

NEST NNEST

Use real English

Use English with more confidence

Use more colloquial language

NEST is the ultimate goal

Knows more about their own language & Culture

Is infallible

Has “bookish” quality Tends to have more

self doubt Pronounces with accent Uses L1 more often Has less cultural

knowledge of the target language

Makes structural mistakes

Are NNESTs more prepared for teaching?

Do you agree NNESTs and NESTs areperceived differently by students?

Are NESTs not as committed to their students as NNESTs?

NEST NNEST

Is not a teacher by profession

Uses a more flexible approach

Is less empathetic to the learning process

Attends to perceived student needs

Has improbable expectations

Is more casual

Is less committed to the profession & community

• Studies pedagogical methods

• Adopts a more guided approach

• Is more empathetic to student struggles

• Attends to real student needs

• Has realistic expectations

• Is stricter

• Believe that ELT is a career and that English will highly benefit the community

Do NNESTs and NESTs teach in a different way?

NEST NNEST

• Focuses more on fluency, meaning, and oral skills

• Teaches language in use and in context

• Prefers free less restricted activities

• Favors interactive activities in groups

• Uses variety of authentic texts and materials

• Uses less translation

• Tolerates more errors

• Assigns less work and is easier with grades

• Uses more traditional teaching methods

• Teaches Structure of language in an isolated context

• Prefers more controlled activities

• Teacher is center of all class discussion

• Uses single textbook

• Resorts to more translation

• Reprimands/corrects errors

• Assigns more homework and uses tests more often

If you had to describe what an excellent English Teacher should be like, what would

you say?

Excitement about one's work

Values opinions

Encourages critical thinking

Sets Goals

Openness to change

Encourages respect

Urge to upgrade yourself

Offers challenges to students

Competent preparation

Takes risks

Sets priorities

Understands students needs: relates students needs to learning

Explain why learning a skill is important: "rational”

Help students form a plan of action

Provide a variety of sensory stimulations: stimulate all learning intelligences

Is resourceful: uses a wide array of authentic materials

Has good classroom management

Loves the English language

Empathetic to classroom relationships

Motivates learners

Create and maintain student curiosity

Uses interactive intrinsic activities

Has knowledge of yourself and students

Is well versed in ELT methodologies and teaching strategies

English Language Fellowship

RELO Andes

Venezuela TESOL