The Impact of the Market Economy on English Teachers in China

• In Event: Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Innovation and Impact on Teaching, Learning, and Classrooms in Globalized Settings

Abstract

This study investigates the experience of English teachers under China’s market economy. Based upon individual interviews of 24 teachers in Zhejiang Province, the study reveals that despite China’s economic miracle, English teachers’ teaching and living conditions have not improved. On the contrary, the status of teachers, particularly for rural and minban teachers, has deteriorated. Furthermore, under the fee-paying principle, some parents expect teachers to provide the best service to their children, and as such the roles of teachers and students have changed into those of business and clients. It seems evident that teaching has been devalued and commidified in the age of market economy.

Author

• Yan Guo, University of Calgary