A Student’ Perceptions of the Native and the Non-native English-speaking Teachers: A Qualitative Study in Indonesian English Medium Higher Education (Emhe) Settings

Abstract

The study that researched the different strengths and weaknesses between native English-speaking teachers (NESTs) and non-native English-speaking teachers (NNESTs) in higher education settings were rarely discussed in the Indonesian context. Thus, to fill this void, thisstudy examines the perceptions of a student towards the NESTs and NNESTs in Indonesian English medium higher education (EMHE). An undergraduate student from a private Islamic university in Indonesia was recruited as a participant in this study. Employing qualitative study, data was collected by using semi-structured interviews. The result findings revealed the divergence of the NESTs and the NNESTs in three major themes namely (1) pedagogical, (2) linguistic, and (3) socio-culture both positive and negative perceptions. The findings suggest that the dichotomy of NESTs and NNESTs should not be done because both the two types of teachers have their own strengths and weaknesses.