Investigating student teachers of a letras program: their beliefs and expectations about being english teachers

Abstract

In order to contribute to the understanding of the process of becoming an English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher, this study investigates 17 student teachers in their sixth semester of an EFL Letras program. The basic aims of the study are to understand: (a) why the students choose to follow this career and what are their expectations about being an English teacher; (b) what they consider to be a good EFL teacher; (c) their beliefs about being a teacher in public and private schools; and (d) some of their beliefs about the relationship between theory and practice in their education. Qualitative research methods were used to collect and analyze data. Data was collected through class observation reports, questionnaires, and tape recorded interviews. The results of the study indicate that few participants had the clear objective of becoming an English teacher before entering the university and that in the middle of their degree they still have serious doubts about becoming EFL teachers. By analyzing their beliefs about the qualities that influence effective EFL teaching, it was possible to get to know their picture of the ideal teacher. The results also suggest that while several student teachers believe that private schools are better learning environments due to their better teaching/learning resources, others believe that public schools are better working environments because teachers have more freedom in their work. Nevertheless, many of them see teaching in public schools as a mission that involves personal sacrifice. Finally, student teachers believe that theory must be learned together with practice in an attempt to better understand the reality of the classroom.