Collaborative EFL teaching in primary schools

Abstract

This paper discusses an innovative programme of collaborative EFL teaching in Hong Kong primary schools, involving team-teaching shared between imported native-speaking English teachers and their local counterparts. First it analyses the way in which the scheme has evolved from previous experiences. The paper then draws on an open-ended questionnaire survey, email and face to face interviews, and classroom observations of teamteaching in action. It focuses on findings related to the three main objectives of the scheme: impact on pupils, innovative teaching, and professional development. More positive outcomes were reported for the first issue than the other two. Some implications for collaboration and the deployment of native-speaking English teachers are discussed.