Ep77. Student Preferences: Do Learners Really Care About Native Teachers?

In this thought-provoking and data-driven episode, we dive deep into one of the most debated topics in the language teaching world: do students actually prefer native-speaking teachers, or is this a myth perpetuated by industry norms and marketing? Drawing from recent research, real-world surveys, and compelling interviews with learners from diverse linguistic backgrounds, we challenge long-standing assumptions about what makes a teacher “effective” in the eyes of their students.This episode uncovers the surprising factors that learners prioritize when choosing a teacher, such as empathy, teaching methods, cultural awareness, and adaptability. You’ll also hear from students who share how their experiences with both native and non-native teachers have shaped their learning journey.We tackle questions like: • Are students influenced by the “native speaker bias,” or are their choices more nuanced? • How does teacher experience and qualifications measure up against fluency and accent? • What role does the education system and marketing play in shaping these perceptions?Whether you’re a language teacher, a student, or simply curious about the evolving dynamics of education, this episode will challenge you to rethink what truly matters in the classroom. It’s not just about who speaks the language natively—it’s about who can teach it meaningfully. Join us as we explore the complex intersection of preference, pedagogy, and perception in language learning.