Teacher persona research: adapting to the local context. Tim Moore (British Council Vietnam) Sunday 17th April 16.55

Tim outlined this research carried out in Vietnam which was to identify the persona of the ideal EFL teacher.

Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to gain a deeper understanding of the needs and expectations of adult students.
The qualitative aspects of the research used 'anecdote circles' to explore two questions:

• What is you ideal teacher like?
• How do you like to learn?

Anecdote circles are structured focus groups of students.

The findings were that English language teachers in Vietnam should:

• Be experienced and well qualified
• Be enthusiastic and friendly and know how to motivate students.
• Be dedicated, which means understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each student and provide constructive and open feedback frequently.
• Have a good understanding of, and be well adapted to, Vietnamiese culture.
• Provide, encourage and enforce an English speaking environment.
• Set up and manage a classroom environment that is active, where all students are eager to learn.
• Motivate and help students to be confident in using English.
• Teach courses that incorporate a range of skills lessons, with a particular focus on developing speaking and listening skills.
• Be able to supplement and adapt the course book.
• Teach in a way that is easy to understand.

This research has informed a new teacher induction polifcy, INSETT training plans and a new course syllabus.  The findings would seem to be transferrable to may different contexts including by own ESOL setting in the UK.