Students’ Preferences Regarding Native and Non-native Teachers of English at a University in the French Brittany

Abstract

Recent research documents the interest toward the subject native and non-native English speaking teachers. Although studies have focused mainly on teachers (Medgyes, 1994, Árva and Medgyes, 2000, Llurda, 2004, Llurda, 2005), there is a growing body of research on students’ preferences (Chit Cheong, 2009, Mahboob, 2004, Lasagabaster and Sierra, 2005). The present study was conducted at a university in the French Brittany among 78 students of the License en LEA (Applied Foreign Languages Program). For this purpose, a survey was carried out and students were asked about their preferences in regards the type of teacher. Although the majority of students taking part in the study acknowledged preferring native English speaking teachers when asked in general, the results of the analysis in detail are not clear-cut.