English language teaching challenges: current and retrospective perceptions of teachers

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Ferenc Rakoczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian College of Higher Education

English language teaching challenges: current and retrospective perceptions of teachers

Lorincz Marianna DSc, Professor Philology Department

Berehove, Ukraine

Abstract

While teaching challenges have been shown to affect teacher performance in multiple ways, little is known about the transformations occurring in language teachers' perceptions of challenges over time. Hence, this study purported to analyze EFL teachers' current and retrospective perceptions of challenges associated with language teaching tasks. Quantitative data were collected utilizing a questionnaire and processed through Friedman's ANOVA and a Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. A within-subjects comparison revealed a statistically significant difference between current and retrospective perceptions of challenges with a large effect size on all language teaching tasks included in the questionnaire, indicating that experience was a causing variable contributing to transformations in teachers' perceptions of task difficulty. The principal shifts in the participants' views were documented on such tasks as student engagement with language material, effective instruction for all learners, personalizing teaching, and planning and managing instruction. The teaching experience played a less decisive role in the case of teaching speaking, student motivation, teaching vocabulary, teaching reading, student assessment, and knowing students. Notably, the areas persisting as very challenging regardless of experience were teaching speaking, motivating learners, teaching writing, and listening. The study's findings hold implications for initial teacher preparation and development, highlighting areas calling for more attention. The paper presents the results of a rather small-scale investigation tackling only a few of the multiple areas of language teaching which potentially challenge language teachers. Likewise, due to a small research sample (n=208) and its limitation to the context of Ukraine, this study does not claim the generalizability of its findings. Nevertheless, the findings reveal in highlighting the tasks posing a substantial challenge to EFL teachers both at the outset of their career and following years spent in it.

Key words: challenges, English as a foreign language, teaching experience, current and retrospective perceptions.

Анотація

Леврінц Маріанна Іванівна доктор педагогічних наук, доцент професор кафедри філології

Закарпатський угорський інститут імені Ференца Ракоці ІІ, м. Берегове, Україна

ТРУДНОЩІ ВИКЛАДАННЯ АНГЛІЙСЬКОЇ МОВИ: ПОТОЧНІ ТА РЕТРОСПЕКТИВНІ ПЕРЦЕПЦІЇ ВЧИТЕЛІВ

З огляду на визначальну роль когнітивних процесів у детермінації професійної діяльності вчителів, наукове зацікавлення становить вивчення трансформацій, яких зазнають ставлення вчителів до труднощів, пов'язаних із викладанням іноземних мов. Відтак метою статті є аналіз поточних і ретроспективних перцепцій вчителями викликів викладання англійської мови як іноземної. У дослідженні застосовано кількісні методи збору й обробки даних, а саме дисперсійний аналіз Фрідмана та тесту Вілкоксона. До дослідження було залучено 208 вчителів англійської мови як іноземної. На основі компаративного аналізу було виявлено статистично значущу різницю між поточними та ретроспективними перцепціями вчителів по всім змінним, які увійшли в інструмент дослідження. Було доведено, що досвід викладання мови є змінною, що сприяє трансформації уявлень вчителів про рівень складності професійних задач. Значні зміни у відповідях респондентів було зафіксовано щодо таких задач, як активне залучення всіх учнів до роботи над навчальним матеріалом, ефективне навчання всіх учнів, індивідуалізація і диференціація навчання, планування й управління навчальним процесом. Додатково встановлено, що вплив досвіду викладання є дещо менш відчутним у випадку з труднощами, пов'язаними з розвитком іншомовної комунікативної компетентності учнів, мотивації учіння, словникового запасу, навичок читання, оцінювання знань учнів та знань про учнів. Згідно з отриманими даними, найскладнішими задачами незалежно від тривалості викладацького досвіду залишаються розвиток іншомовної комунікативної компетентності учнів, навчальної мотивації, навчання письма й аудіювання. У статті представлено результати досить невеликого дослідження, яке стосується лише кількох із багатьох сфер викладання мови, які потенційно викликають проблеми з викладачами мови. Так само, через невелику вибірку дослідження (n=208) та її обмеженість контекстом України, це дослідження не претендує на узагальнення своїх висновків. Тим не менш, ці висновки можуть бути показовими для висвітлення завдань, які становлять суттєвий виклик для вчителів EFL як на початку їхньої кар'єри, так і в наступні роки, проведені в ній.

Ключові слова: труднощі, англійська як іноземна мова, вчитель, досвід викладання, поточні та ретроспективні перцепції.

Introduction

It has been commonly observed that the quality of education is commensurate with the quality of teachers' work. Being held accountable for providing quality instruction and sustaining high standards in education has accelerated the level of challenge experienced by teachers. Unsurprisingly, considerable effort has been expended into the study of teaching challenges in general education. A sizeable body of research has addressed challenges faced by English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers [1; 2; 3]. Meanwhile, certain aspects of the delineated problem are still awaiting a more systematic response. Among them are the perceived challenges EFL teachers experience at the outset of their careers, and following a period spent in the profession. This study is, thus, guided by the following research question: what are the current and retrospective perceptions of challenges held by EFL teachers?

Challenges were studied in the literature through theoretical prisms of cognition and affect, intersecting beliefs, emotions, attitudes, etc. They refer to subjective perceptions of the task difficulty associated with language teaching. Perceptions of challenges affect teacher performance in multiple ways, as summarized in Figure 1. Based on an extant literature review, it was shown that challenges influenced the use of L2 by language teachers in the lessons [4]. Language proficiency was a decisive factor in determining the amount of time language teachers spent speaking L2 [5]. It also determined the general focus of the lesson, where more proficient teachers emphasized authentic communication in English while their less fluent colleagues preferred more grammar-focused instruction [6]. In their study, Back and Dean found that an insufficient level of language proficiency posed a serious challenge, diverting potential candidates from choosing a teaching career [7]. Challenges stemming from insufficient command of EFL were also associated with the level of stress experienced by language teachers, causing feelings of insecurity and frustration [8, p. 228; 9]. Challenges caused by classroom management issues and student misbehavior also feature among potential sources of stress [10]. Especially vulnerable to the challenge of establishing rapport with learners are novice EFL teachers [2]. In an interview study by Levrints/Lorincz the participants often referred to challenges associated with learner rapport and discipline as one of the principal sources of stress, leading to teachers' contemplating quitting the profession [3]. Perception of challenges was associated with a threat to EFL teachers' wellbeing, drops in teaching motivation, and teacher attrition in the study by Sulis et al. [11]. Difficulties experienced by language teachers also lead to identity transformations [12; 13]. In his study, H.Xu describes major shifts in teachers' identities as they tackle job-related challenges. Under contextual and job constraints, language teachers abandon their imagined professional identities and assume an identity shaped by attempts to align with the work environment [13]. Perceptions of challenges often impact language teachers' communication styles. Student misbehavior, low confidence in their capability to answer complicated questions, and fear of language errors led teachers to adopt a more authoritarian style [10; 14]. Challenges experienced by novice teachers also led them to adopt a traditional language teaching approach, like grammar-translation, instead of the communicative approach endorsed by the language education program they attended [15]. In addition to the debilitating effect, the literature also mentions the facilitating effect challenges may have on teachers. Whereas tasks perceived as overly complicated diverted from learning at work, tasks viewed as doable led to professional growth [16]. Likewise, the tension between teachers' aspirational identity and their current level of competence enhances professional development [17].

Although language teaching challenges have been addressed in the literature from different angles, how their perception transforms, beginning with the induction phase and beyond, has been overlooked. Even though several comparative studies of language teachers' challenges with varying lengths of experience were conducted [18; 19], a comparative analysis of within-subjects perceptions of challenges held by EFL teachers currently and in retrospect (i.e. experienced at the outset of teaching) could not be located. The paper thus purports to investigate current and retrospective perceptions of challenges held by EFL teachers and whether their rates alter following a period of exposure to professional activity.

Research Methodology

Participants

The participants come from Ukrainian educational institutions where English is taught as a foreign language. In all, 208 language teachers consented to take part in the study. They were recruited utilizing a random sampling technique. The teachers occupied posts at different educational levels, from primary to tertiary. Their qualifications ranged from BA to DSC degrees. The latter roughly corresponds to a habilitated doctor in Ukraine. Their language teaching experience varied from 1 to more than 25 years.

Data collection and analysis

This study forms a part of a broader examination of EFL teaching challenges in the context of Ukraine. It is quantitative in nature, adopting a survey research design. The instrument of the study was a questionnaire initially used by Lorincz & Greba, with minor adaptations made to meet the aims of this paper. In particular, the respondents were asked to indicate to what extent they found the enumerated language teaching tasks challenging when they started teaching [18]. Next, they had to indicate how challenging these tasks were at the given moment. The responses were elicited on a five-point Likert scale where 1 stood for not challenging and 5 - most challenging.

The data were processed through Friedman's ANOVA (a nonparametric test in SPSS) and a Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test which were used to test whether the rate of perceived challenge associated with EFL teaching decreased as teachers gained experience. Accordingly, the hypothesis was formulated as follows:

Null hypothesis: The mean ranks will be equal in the language teachers' current and retrospective perceptions of challenges.

Alternative hypothesis: The mean ranks will not be equal in the language teachers' current and retrospective perceptions of challenges.

Results

As can be seen in Table 1, the mean ranks for perceived challenges decreased as a result of teaching experience, which was evident in the case of all enumerated tasks displayed in the table's first column. Moreover, the difference between current and retrospective perceptions of challenges was statistically significant in all 15 cases (p < .001). language teaching speaking

As indicated by the outputted data in Table 1, the null hypothesis of equal mean ranks is rejected. The Friedman's ANOVA analysis for teaching grammar yielded x2(1) = 49.846, (p < .001), 24,4% of the variance in the ranks is attributable to the research condition; teaching vocabulary results: %2(1) = 34.945, (p < .001), with 16,8% of the variance caused by experience; teaching pronunciation results: %2(1) = 42.706, (p < .001), with 20,5% of the variance caused by experience; teaching speaking results: %2(1) = 28.69, (p < .001), with 13,8% of the variance caused by experience; teaching reading: %2(1) = 32.143, (p < .001), with 15,5% of the variance caused by experience; teaching writing: x2(1) = 44.885, (p < .001), with 21,6% of the variance caused by experience; teaching listening: x2(1) = 49,782, (p < .001), with 23,9% of the variance caused by experience; planning and managing instruction: x2(1) = 46.407, (p < .001), with 22,3% of the variance caused by experience; assessing student's knowledge: x2(1) = 34.133, (p < .001), with 16,4% of the variance caused by experience; engaging all learners with the instructional material: x2(1) = 75.111, (p < .001), with 36,1% of the variance caused by experience; motivating learners; x2(1) = 48.286, (p < .001), with 23,2% of the variance caused by experience; knowing students: x2(1) = 36.125, (p < .001), with 17.4% of the variance caused by experience; providing effective instruction for all learners: x2(1) = 58.696, (p < .001), with 28.2% of the variance caused by experience; maintaining discipline: x2(1) = 42.667, (p < .001), with 20,5% of the variance caused by experience; differentiating instruction: x2(1) = 57.042, (p < .001), with 27.4% of the variance caused by experience.

Table 1. EFL teachers' current and retrospective perceptions of challenges: within-subjects comparison

Conclusions

As shown by the results of the present study, experience is a causal factor contributing to transformations in the perception of challenges by EFL teachers. A comparative within-subjects analysis of current and retrospective perceptions of challenges captured a statistically significant difference in all language teaching tasks included in the study's instrument, yielding a large effect size. It indicates that teachers become more confident in their coping capabilities as they gain experience. Notably, further analysis of the data provides a window into the areas deserving more attention in the periods of initial teacher education, which differ to some extent from those required by more experienced language teachers. Specifically, during the induction period, EFL teachers need more support in such areas as learner engagement with language material, providing effective instruction for all learners, personalizing instruction (providing differentiated and individualized instruction), knowing students, planning and managing instruction, and learner assessment. Interestingly, these areas pose less challenge for language teachers as they mature professionally. By contrast, teaching speaking, learner motivation, teaching writing, and listening featured among very challenging tasks viewed both currently and in retrospect, warranting additional preparation in these areas in the context of initial teacher education and professional development courses. Finally, as suggested by the results, none of the language teaching areas tackled in the questionnaire was considered not challenging by teachers even after years spent in the profession, pivoting the critical role of lifelong learning. The further prospect of this study could include an analysis of relationship between language teachers' challenges and mistakes they commit.

Список використаної літератури

1. Akfor G., Sava^fi M. A review of challenges and recommendations for novice EFL teachers in Turkey. Novitas-ROYAL (Research on Youth and Language). 2020. Vol. 14, № 2. P.16-37.

2. Komar O.., Kolisnichenko A., Derkach S., Kapeliushna T. Newly qualified foreign language teachers' adaptation in profession: challenges, problems, first achievements and further prospects. Advanced Education. 2021. № 17. P.35-45.

3. Леврінц М. Understanding challenges of foreign language teachers: Ukrainian perspective. Іноземні мови. 2022. № 2. С.47-52.

4. Lorincz M. Overview of English language teaching challenges. The Journal of V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. Series: Foreign Philology. Methods of Foreign Language Teaching. 2022. № 95. P.99-107.

5. Chambless K. S. Teachers' oral proficiency in the target language: research on its role in language teaching and learning. Foreign Language Annals. 2012. № 45. P.141-162.

6. Chacon C.T. Teachers' perceived efficacy among English as a foreign language teachers in middle schools in Venezuela. Teaching and Teacher Education. 2005. № 21. P.257-272.

7. Back M., Dean J. E. Profesores Adelante! Recruiting teachers in the target language. Foreign Language Annals. 2020. № 53. P.613-633.

8. Richards J. Exploring Emotions in Language Teaching. RELC Journal.2022. Vol. 53, № 1. P.225-239.

9. Behroozi M., Amoozegar A. Challenges to English Language Teachers of Secondary Schools in Iran. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. 2014. № 136. P.203-207.

10. Kyriacou C. Stress-busting for teachers. Cheltenham: Stanley Thornes Publishers, Ltd., 2000.

11. Sulis G., Mercer S., Mairitsch A., Babic S., Shin S. Pre-service language teacher wellbeing as a complex dynamic system. System. 2021. № 103. P.1-12.

12. Teng F. Emotional development and construction of teacher identity: Narrative interactions about the pre-service teachers' practicum experiences. Australian Journal of Teacher Education. 2017. Vol. 42, № 11. P.117-134.

13. Xu H. Imagined community falling apart: A case study on the transformation of professional identities of novice ESOL teachers in China. TESOL Quarterly. 2012. P.568-578.

14. Yuan R., Lee I. The cognitive, social and emotional processes of teacher identity construction in a pre-service teacher education programme. Research Papers in Education. 2015. Vol. 30, № 4. P.469-491.

15. Akcan S. Novice non-native English teachers' reflections on their teacher education programmes and their first years of teaching. Profile Issues in Teachers 'Professional Development. 2016. Vol. 18, № 1. P.55-70.

16. Hokka P., Vahasantanen K., Paloniemi S. Emotions in learning at work: A literature review. Vocations and Learning. 2020. № 13. P.1-25.

17. Kubanyiova M. Teacher Development in Action: Understanding Language Teachers' Conceptual Change. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2012. 236 p.

18. Lorincz M., Greba I. A comparative study of EFL teachers' challenges with varying lengths of teaching experience. Advanced Education. 2022. (in press)

19. Valizadeh M. The challenges facing English language teachers in Turkey. Advances in Language and Literary Studies. 2021. Vol. 12, № 4. P.61-67.

20. Borg S. Language Teacher Cognition: Perspectives and Debates. In: Gao X. (eds) Second Handbook of English Language Teaching. Springer International Handbooks of Education. Springer, Cham, 2019. 1221 p.

21. Levrints/L6rincz M. Foreign language teachers' knowledge base and the influence of teaching experience. Australian Journal of Teacher Education. 2022. Vol. 47, № 4. P. 90-110.

22. Podolsky A., Kini T., Darling-Hammond L. Does teaching experience increase teacher effectiveness? A review of US research. Journal of Professional Capital and Community. 2019. Vol. 4, № 4. P.286-308.

23. Levrints/Lorincz M., Myshko S., Lizak K. Attributes of effective foreign language teachers: Insights from Ukraine. Advanced Education. 2021. Vol. 8, № 19. P.33-41.

24. Copland F., Garton S., Burns A. Challenges in teaching English to young learners: global perspectives and local realities. TESOL Quarterly. 2014. № 48. P.738-762.

References

1. Akfor, G., & Sava^fi, M. (2020). A review of challenges and recommendations for novice EFL teachers in Turkey. Novitas- ROYAL (Research on Youth and Language), 14(2), 16-37.

2. Komar, O., Kolisnichenko, A., Derkach, S., & Kapeliushna, T. (2021). Newly qualified foreign language teachers' adaptation in profession: challenges, problems, first achievements and further prospects. Advanced Education, 17, 35-45.

3. Levrints/Lorincz, M. (2022). Understanding challenges of foreign language teachers: Ukrainian perspective. Foreign Languages, 2, 47-52.

4. Lorincz, M. (2022). Overview of English language teaching challenges. The Journal of V.N.Karazin Kharkiv National University. Series: Foreign Philology. Methods of Foreign Language Teaching, 95, 99-107.

5. Chambless, K.S. (2012). Teachers' oral proficiency in the target language: research on its role in language teaching and learning. Foreign Language Annals, 45, 141-162.

6. Chacon, C.T. (2005). Teachers' perceived efficacy among English as a foreign language teachers in middle schools in Venezuela. Teaching and Teacher Education, 21, 257-272.

7. Back, M., & Dean, J.E. (2020). jProfesores Adelante! Recruiting teachers in the target language. Foreign Language Annals, 53, 613-633.

8. Richards, J. (2022). Exploring Emotions in Language Teaching. RELC Journal, 53(1), 225-239.

9. Behroozi, M., & Amoozegar, A. (2014). Challenges to English Language Teachers of Secondary Schools in Iran. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 136, 203-207.

10. Kyriacou, C. (2000). Stress-busting for teachers. Cheltenham: Stanley Thornes Publishers, Ltd.

11. Sulis, G., Mercer, S., Mairitsch, A., Babic, S., Shin, S. (2021). Pre-service language teacher wellbeing as a complex dynamic system. System, 103, 1-12.

12. Teng, F. (2017). Emotional development and construction of teacher identity: Narrative interactions about the pre-service teachers' practicum experiences. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 42 (11), 117-134.

13. Xu, H. (2012). Imagined community falling apart: A case study on the transformation of professional identities of novice ESOL teachers in China. TESOL Quarterly, 568-578.

14. Yuan, R., & Lee, I. (2015). The cognitive, social and emotional processes of teacher identity construction in a pre-service teacher education programme. Research Papers in Education, 30 (4), 469-491.

15. Akcan, S. (2016). Novice non-native English teachers' reflections on their teacher education programmes and their first years of teaching. Profile Issues in Teachers' Professional Development, 18(1), 55-70.

16. Hokka, P., Vahasantanen, K., & Paloniemi, S. (2020). Emotions in learning at work: A literature review. Vocations and Learning, 13, 1-25.

17. Kubanyiova, M. (2012). Teacher Development in Action: Understanding Language Teachers' Conceptual Change. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

18. Lorincz, M., Greba, I. (2022). A comparative study of EFL teachers' challenges with varying lengths of teaching experience. Advanced Education (in press)

19. Valizadeh, M. (2021). The challenges facing English language teachers in Turkey. Advances in Language and Literary Studies, 12(4), 61-67.

20. Borg, S. (2019). Language Teacher Cognition: Perspectives and Debates. In: Gao X. (eds) Second Handbook of English Language Teaching. Springer International Handbooks of Education. Springer, Cham.

21. Lorincz, M. (2022). Foreign language teachers' knowledge base and the influence of teaching experience. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 47(4), 90-110.

22. Podolsky, A., Kini, T., & Darling-Hammond, L. (2019). Does teaching experience increase teacher effectiveness? A review of US research. Journal of Professional Capital and Community, 4(4), 286-308.

23. Levrints/Lorincz, M., Myshko, S., & Lizak, K. (2021). Attributes of effective foreign language teachers: Insights from Ukraine. Advanced Education, 8 (19), 33-41.

24. Copland, F., Garton, S., & Burns, A. (2014). Challenges in teaching English to young learners: global perspectives and local realities. TESOL Quarterly, 48, 738-762.

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