Students’ perception of the advantages and disadvantages of learning English for biology with native and non-native English-speaking teachers

Abstract

English for Biology is a course in the bachelor training program of Biology Teacher Education at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education. A research on 126 students from Department of Biology of this University on the advantages and disadvantages of learning English for Biology with native and non-native English-speaking teachers was carried out in January, 2018. Data on their perceptions towards the reasons why they liked studying with the teachers were gained from questionnaires. Thirty students in this research were also randomly selected for interview to get their suggestions for the better achievement of learning English for Biology. The results showed that 52 students (41.3%) liked studying English for Biology with non-native English-speaking teachers, whereas 40 students (31.7%) liked learning with native English-speaking teachers, and 34 students (27.0%) preferred studying with both kinds of teachers. Students also suggested some ways to improve the learning effectiveness including regular practice, learner autonomy, environment for practice and so on. The research result will help the Dean take into consideration the importance of teachers in teaching and learning English for Biology.