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Western EFL Teachers and East-West Classroom-Culture Conflicts

Steven T. Simpson

Columbia University (Teachers College), stsimpson{at}columbia.edu

This article surveys some of the conflicts endemic to foreigners teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) in China. Though learning English is very popular in China now and China is one of the most popular destinations for Western EFL teachers, neither the teaching nor learning of English comes without certain clashes in the classroom. These clashes result from divergent educational philosophies meeting in an environment that is both low in mutual awareness and high in expectations. However, with greater awareness and increased understanding, the effects of these clashes may be mediated. This article, after presenting and explaining relevant historical and cultural background, offers several culturally relevant reforms intended to help in the mediation process.

Key Words: Chinese EFL classroom • cultural conflicts • educational philosophies • teaching abroad.

RELC Journal, Vol. 39, No. 3, 381-394 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0033688208096847
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