The Bulletin of Japanese Curriculum Research and Development
Online ISSN : 2424-1784
Print ISSN : 0288-0334
ISSN-L : 0288-0334
Research on the Behavioral Characteristics of Good Japanese Language Teachers from the Standpoint of Japanese Language Teachers at Secondary Schools in Thailand Using SEFA : Stepwise Variable Selection in Exploratory Factor Analysis
Hizuru FURUBEPPU
Author information
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2009 Volume 32 Issue 1 Pages 21-30

Details
Abstract

This study aims to find out which behavioral characteristics are associated with "outstanding" Japanese language teachers from the standpoint of Japanese language teachers at secondary schools in Thailand. The questionnaire (consisting of 41 items modified from past studies) was completed by high school teachers, and the replies of 121 teachers were valid. The data was subjected to statistical testing using SEFA (Stepwise Variable Selection in Exploratory Factor Analysis). Through the analysis, four factors were identified: Factor I, specialist knowledge and teaching experience; Factor II, professionalism as a teacher; Factor III, teaching skills; and Factor IV, experience with learning foreign languages and academic degrees. Among these four factors, teachers evaluated Factor II, professionalism as a teacher, the highest. Two subcategories of Factor II, diligence and devotion, were also noted as the first and second most highly-evaluated attributes through comparison of the mean values of all 41 items. The findings, which are in common with those of Nuibe et al. (2009), relate to the good values of the teachers and their teaching skills. Factor I, specialist knowledge and teaching experience, and Factor II, professionalism as a teacher, are identified for the first time in this study. The results show that Japanese language teachers in secondary schools in Thailand think it is very important to be exemplary teachers, with strong professionalism, dedicated and considerate of learners, as well as making good use of teaching skills and expertise in TJFL, especially in order to promote and evaluate the learners' understanding.

Content from these authors
© 2009 Japan Curriculum Research and Development Association
Previous article Next article
feedback
Top