Students and the English Language: Perceptions About Native, Arab Non-Native, and Non-Arab Non-Native Teachers

In this study, the perceptions of students of native English teachers (NETs), Arab non-native English teachers (Arab NNETs) and non-Arab non-native English teachers (non-Arab NNETs) were assessed. The general perceptions of the students regarding the learning strategies, teaching skills, strengths and weaknesses of the three groups of English teachers were explored. The study had a mixed-methods approach, applying closed-ended and open-ended questions as the quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The data were collected via an online questionnaire from Saudi students who attended Taif University. It was revealed that students preferred NETs concerning some aspects, whereas they exhibited a positive attitude towards Arab NNETs about other elements. The perceptions of the students were similar in terms of their general attitudes towards the behaviours of teachers in the classroom and learning strategies. Furthermore, most students perceived NETs to be the best at teaching English skills, while one-third trusted more in Arab NNETs, especially concerning grammar skills. The minority of students preferred non-Arab NNETs. In the results of open-ended questions, the perceptions of the students regarding the strengths and weaknesses of each group of teachers were disclosed.