The construction of NES/NNES ESL instructor identity through student evaluations and focus groups in the English as a second Language program at a Midwestern U.S. university

This study investigated the experiences and perceptions of non-native English-speaking (NNES) and native English-speaking (NES) ESL instructors within a Midwestern U.S. University's ESL Program, particularly focusing on how they respond to course evaluation items where differences between NES and NNES teachers were marked. By exploring the unique challenges encountered by both groups and comparing these challenges with prior research findings, the study shed light on the factors shaping student evaluations in ESL contexts. The methodology combined qualitative analysis of Instructor & Course Evaluation System (ICES) reports with focus group discussions involving trusted colleagues representing a mix of NES and NNES instructors. Through content analysis, thematic patterns in participant responses and ICES reports were identified, revealing shared experiences, distinctions, and various perspectives beyond linguistic categories. Findings indicated that both native and non-native ESL instructors shared similarities and differences in their teaching experiences, highlighting the significance of individual factors beyond categorical distinctions. Analysis of ICES reports revealed trends that might correlate with instructors' native or non-native status but also stressed the importance of experience and individual teacher identity in shaping instructional practices. This research contributed valuable insights into the complexities of ESL instruction, emphasizing the role of experience and individual identity in guiding effective teaching practices.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Teaching of English Sec Lang

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Karakorkmaz, Gulsum Hilal

Contributors dc:contributor

• Sadler, Randall
• Anna Mendoza, Anna

• Nes & Nnes Instructors
• Esl Instructors
• Perceptions
• Challenges
• Instructor And Course Evaluation System Reports & Questions.

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2024 Gulsum Hilal Karakorkmaz

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125665

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F125665