Foreign Language Teacher Attrition and Retention Research: A Meta-Analysis

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  • Author(s): Mason, Shannon
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    NECTFL Review. Sep 2017 (80):47-68.
  • Publication Date:
    2017
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Research
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. 2400 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214. e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: https://www.nectfl.org
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      22
    • Education Level:
      Higher Education
      Postsecondary Education
    • Subject Terms:
      Language Teachers; Faculty Mobility; Teacher Persistence; Educational Research; Preservice Teacher Education; Beginning Teacher Induction; Teacher Characteristics; Teaching Skills; Teaching Conditions; Interpersonal Relationship; Personality Traits; Second Language Instruction; Educational Attitudes
    • ISSN:
      2164-5965
    • Abstract:
      Across English-speaking countries, there is an ongoing shortage of foreign language teachers. Promoting the retention of foreign language teachers in the profession for the long term is one of the most strategically and financially viable ways to address this problem. This article reports on a qualitative meta-analysis study of the international research on foreign language teacher attrition and retention. Data analysis reveals seven overarching themes that are relevant to the discussion: teacher education, transition into teaching, teacher knowledge and skills, workplace and employment factors, value and belonging, supportive workplace relationships, and teacher personality traits. On top of the already considerable demands placed on all educators teaching in modern classrooms, foreign language teachers also often have to contend with a lack of value for foreign language education, and a resulting lack of "space" in schools (curriculum space, physical space, and emotional space). Important steps toward addressing foreign language teacher attrition include giving more attention to challenging the negative perceptions of foreign language education and the development of substantive policies that ensure adequate space for foreign language education in schools.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2020
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1253534