Who Do You Like?: Korean Parents' Preferences in the Selection of English Teachers for Their Children

Abstract

In the context where English is the prominent foreign language, invariable number of studies have been conducted regarding English education. Still with the emphasis on the importance of teachers, this study has dealt with an atypical issue: parents’ preferences for certain aspects of English teachers. This pilot study surveyed a group of Korean parents to investigate 1) if they have any preferences for certain aspects of English teachers for their children; and 2) if these preferences are different when they choose native English teachers and Korean English teachers. Participants were asked of their preferences respectively for both native English teachers and Korean English teachers in terms of their gender, age, years of teaching experience, and what they consider the most important qualification. They were asked exclusively of their preferences for certain aspects of native English teachers, such as race, nationality, and years of residence in Korea. The findings from this research indicate that Korean parents indeed have 1) some partial tendencies to favor native English teachers of a particular race and nationality; and 2) similar criteria in choosing native and Korean English Teachers for their children.