Good and effective EFL English teachers: the exploration of male and female students' perceptions

Abstract

This study aims to find out how male and female students perceive the characteristics of good and effective English teachers in Bali. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method developed by Miles and Huberman (1994). The sample comprises 70 female students and 77 male students. The data were collected through questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGD). The findings from the questionnaire show that both male and female students consider that a teacher who is a good friend for students is the most important characteristic of a good English teacher, and one who prepares lessons well and controls class time wisely as the most important characteristic of an effective English teacher. However, based on the data for good English teachers from the open-ended questionnaire and FGD, it seems male students are more realistic in giving their perceptions and tend to like learning that involves active discussions in class, while female students are more likely to like learning that requires them to only listen to teacher explanations in class. Both male and female students perceive an effective English teacher in the same way; they prefer teachers who can prepare lessons well, control class time wisely, and use interesting learning media such as pictures and videos to teach because it can maintain students motivation to learn English.