English teacher preference: the case of China's non‐English‐major students

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In an era when English has become the uncontested world language, this study explores who Chinese non‐English majors prefer as their English teachers: English teachers from China (ETCs) or so‐called native‐speaking English teachers (NETs). This issue has been keenly debated in the Chinese press in recent years. However, it is not a debate in which the voices of the learners and teachers of English have been sufficiently reported through empirical studies. The study draws comprehensive data from 984 college students and their teachers at four universities in different parts of China. On the basis of three cross‐validated research methods (questionnaire survey, matched‐guise technique, and focused interview), it is argued that, where possible, college English classes should be taught by both ETCs and NETs, since students can benefit from the strengths of both types of teachers. In addition, ETCs should be given opportunities to train in English‐speaking countries in order to improve their own English proficiency levels and that only qualified NETs should be recruited to teach college English in China.