Researchers

• X. Liu - PhD candidate
• prof.dr. W.F. Admiraal - supervisor
• dr. T. Mearns - daily supervisor

Teacher identity is an essential factor in effective teaching and stands at the core of the teaching profession. In recent decades, globalization in education has increased teachers' mobility, particularly in the field of foreign language teaching and learning. The change of teacher’s professional identity when teaching abroad is a dynamic process involving constant experimenting, reflecting, exploring, and responding to challenges. The present project aims to provide valuable insights for the professional development of international teachers, and also for improving the quality of foreign language education.

Social relevance

The aim is to develop a deeper understanding of international teachers’ identity in a cross-cultural setting. Some of the insights from this project may prove beneficial for supporting those who are just starting as teachers in an intercultural context.

Scientific relevance

The aim is to provide valuable insights for the professional development of international teachers, and also for improving the quality of language education. The project broadens the scope of language teaching research by incorporating a cross-cultural lens to gain a more in-depth understanding of the factors affecting teacher identity.

Methods

• Semi-structured interviews
• Survey
• Classroom observation
• Reflective journal
• Storyline
• Concept map

Research questions

1. How do native-speaker Chinese foreign language (CFL) teachers perceive their identity in an intercultural context in the Netherlands?
2. What kind of stages do native-speaker CFL teachers go through when they develop their professional identity in an intercultural context?
3. How can Chinese CFL teachers identity be characterized based on their teacher-student relationship, in an intercultural context?
4. How do teachers experience the support they have received in their transition to teaching in an intercultural context?

Liu, X., Mearns, T., & Admiraal, W. (2023). Teacher-student relationship as a lens to explore Teacher identity in an intercultural context. Teaching and Teacher Education, 136, 104379.

• language teaching
• teacher professional development