Factors affecting teacher-student interactions in a foreign language teaching class: a language socialisation theory perspective

Abstract

Abstract The study explored teacher–student interactions in foreign language teaching classes in China, aiming to identify ways to improve these interactions. Data were collected through 180 min of unstructured observations in two teaching classes. The study found that the frequency of interactions varied among teachers. After analysing the data with a language socialisation theory, the study revealed the factors that affected teacher–student interactions in foreign language classes in China: firstly, the concept of an equal teacher–student relationship is the precondition of teacher–student interactions; secondly, paying attention to both language acquisition and culture acquisition is the foundation of teacher–student interactions; thirdly, a good English acquisition context is one of the critical elements of conducting teacher−student interactions. The study delivered suggestions to promote teacher–student interactions based on English education in China. As there are many similarities in the English education policy and pedagogy between countries in Asia, the findings of the current study can be referenced by other Asian countries as well.