What Makes an Effective EFL Teacher? Insights from Iranian Elementary-Level Learners
Keywords:
Effective teacher, EFL learners' insight, Elementary-level teachingAbstract
Identifying what constitutes teacher effectiveness from learners’ perspectives is considered a significant factor in enhancing the learning process, particularly at the elementary level where teachers’ performance plays a pivotal role in learning outcomes. Effective English teaching at the elementary level demands knowledgeable teachers who can deal with low-level learners. The present study sought to examine the perceptions of Iranian EFL learners regarding teacher effectiveness at the elementary level. To this end, a grounded theory design was selected for it. The study sample included 50 male and female learners, selected via available sampling. To collect the data, a semi-structured interview was implemented. Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. The results revealed the following key perceptions, identified for learners’ perceptions: Creating a meaningful educational setting, integrating technology into teaching, parents' involvement, creating motivation through engagement, using collaborative learning, and the employment of L1 in the teaching and learning process. The findings have several implications for various stakeholders including EFL teachers, learners, teacher educators and curriculum developers in teacher education.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Shadi Moradzadeh Fard (Author); Mohammad Iman Askari; Neda Fatehi Rad (Author)
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