Teaching English at Elementary Level: Quality Differences between Theory and Practice

Abstract

This study examines the perceptions of the Kuwaiti elementary school teacher trainees of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) and an attempt to identify areas that need to be improved in the elementary English teachers’ program at the CBE (College of Basic Education). The participants in this paper are one hundred and twenty six Kuwaiti teacher trainees of English who currently teach EFL through a practicum course in elementary public schools located in six school districts in the State of Kuwait. The data was collected through out the school year 2010/2012 by using a questionnaire which was filled out by the main classroom teachers as they were observing the EFL teachers' trainees in their classrooms. Based on the findings, the study has reported that teacher trainees with delight had the opportunity to work alongside a true mentor (classroom teacher), and most teacher trainees were satisfied with their performance.

Key Words: Teacher trainee, Elementary stage, Practice, EFL Teachers, Curriculum