English Teachers’ Perception of the Importance of Understanding Teachers’ Roles to Improve Teacher-Students Relationship

Abstract

Teachers’ knowledge and understanding of their roles as teachers are essential as a part of their professional identity. The purpose of this study was to explore English language teachers’ perception of the importance of understanding teachers’ roles and how it could make them aware of building positive relationships with their students. The qualitative method was used to conduct the investigation. The data was gathered through a simple online survey and a focus group discussion. This survey discovered that the majority of teachers were aware of their roles not only as teachers but also as educators, class managers, sources of knowledge, mentors, mediators, facilitators, role models, supervisors, and assessors. Some respondents also revealed that in some conditions their roles must go beyond the class and touch students’ life. All teachers agreed that their understanding of teachers’ roles was very important and had an impact on their teaching and their relationship with their students. They also expressed that they expected a comfortable and supportive teacher-student relationship and mutual respect.