Perceptions of Iraqi EFL Learners towards Non-native English Instructors at the Department of English of Komar University

Abstract

This study investigates the Iraqi learners’ perceptions of non-native English-speaking teachers (NNESTs) at Komar University, Iraq and explores the extent to which NNESTs can be differentiated in terms of teaching different skills and their English language knowledge. A quantitative questionnaire focusing on NNESTs effectiveness in teaching the target culture, easing the learning process, their own proficiency, and effectiveness of their techniques to teaching different language skills was adopted from Ürkmez (2015) to collect the data of the study. A total of 37 responses were collected among students at Komar University through Google Forms software. The data were subsequently analyzed using tables to understand the data in a better way. The findings of this study reveal that Iraqi students studying at Komar University have a positive attitude toward non-native teachers at Komar University. Indeed, students even show a preference for non-native teachers for learning particular language skills.