Eveln Ojeda Naveda and Tim Reed Robinson

Introductions
1st Round: The use of English 2nd Round: The general attitude 3rd Round: The attitude to teaching the language The decision: Keys to being a better English language teacher

Name: Tim Reed Robinson Origin: USA Workplace: English Language Fellow at Universidad Pedaggica Experimental Libertador in Maracay, Venezuela

Accomplishments: Has taught ESL/EFL in several countries to a wide variety of levels and ages

Name: Eveln Ojeda Naveda Origin: Valencia, Venezuela. Workplace: Universidad de Carabobo. Faculty of Education. Modern Languages Department. Accomplishments: has taught Spanish, ESL and EFL at all levels in Venezuela and England for the last 12 years.

1.- Is it always better to have a native speaker in the language classroom? 2.- What do you think the myths in ELT are when it comes to NNESTs and NESTs?
3.- What are the challenges you think a NNEST has in ELT?

Is Native the goal? Are NESTs always right? How about NNESTs? Do you remember having NESTs or NNESTs when learning English in high shool? Were there any differences in the use of English in the classroom?

Use real English Use English with more confidence Use more colloquial language NEST is the ultimate goal Knows more about their own language & Culture Is infallible

Has bookish quality Tends to have more self doubt Pronounces with accent Uses L1 more often Has less cultural knowledge of the target language Makes structural mistakes

NEST

NNEST

Are NNESTs more prepared for teaching?

Do you agree NNESTs and NESTs are perceived differently by students?

Are NESTs not as committed to their students as NNESTs?

Is not a teacher by profession

Uses a more flexible approach Is less empathetic to the learning process Attends to perceived student needs Has improbable expectations Is more casual Is less committed to the profession & community

Studies pedagogical methods

Adopts a more guided approach Is more empathetic to student struggles Attends to real student needs Has realistic expectations Is stricter Believe that ELT is a career and that English will highly benefit the community

NEST

NNEST

 Do

NNESTs and NESTs teach in a different way?

Focuses more on fluency, meaning, and oral skills Teaches language in use and in context

Uses more traditional teaching methods

Teaches Structure of language in an isolated context

Prefers free less restricted activities

Favors interactive activities in groups Uses variety of authentic texts and materials Uses less translation Tolerates more errors Assigns less work and is easier with grades

Prefers more controlled activities

Teacher is center of all class discussion Uses single textbook Resorts to more translation Reprimands/corrects errors Assigns more homework and uses tests more often

NEST

NNEST

If you had to describe what an excellent English Teacher should be like, what would you say?

Excitement about one's work Values opinions Encourages critical thinking Sets Goals

Urge to upgrade yourself

Offers challenges to students Competent preparation

Takes risks Sets priorities

Openness to change
Encourages respect

Understands students needs: relates students needs to learning

Explain why learning a skill is important: "rational Help students form a plan of action Provide a variety of sensory stimulations: stimulate all learning intelligences Is resourceful: uses a wide array of authentic materials Has good classroom management Loves the English language

Empathetic to classroom relationships Motivates learners Create and maintain student curiosity Uses interactive intrinsic activities Has knowledge of yourself and students Is well versed in ELT methodologies and teaching strategies

English Language Fellowship RELO Andes Venezuela TESOL