Libyan student teachers' perceptions on the attributes of the effective efl teachers

Abstract

Given the undeniable influence of effective language teachers on successful language teaching and learning practices, this study was set out to address the attributes of effective language teachers based on Libyan university level student teachers' perception. A multi-method approach including both qualitative and quantitative means of data collection was employed in the study. Results indicated that Libyan student teachers placed high importance on 1) Knowledge and credibility including possessing the knowledge of grammar and vocabulary; 2) Delivery principally by encouraging student participation and increasing students' self-confidence; 3) Fairness as mainly characterized by teacher impartiality; 4) Rapport specifically through features that involved care and attention students; and 5) Organization and Preparation as manifested by prior preparation for every lesson and provision of supplemental material by teachers. The findings have important implications for student teachers and language teachers to improve the efficiency of their teaching practices.