An investigation into some factors affecting the effectiveness of English teaching, learning and achievement in Macau

Abstract

This thesis investigates the current situation of English teaching, learning and achievement in Macau. It compares the existing situation in English teaching in Macau with an ideal situation found in the literature, and accounts for the discrepancy found between them. Through interviews and the first large scale survey of English teachers of representative ages of students and representative types of schooling in Macau, using perception-based data, a range of problems are identified in English teaching, learning and achievement. These problems are seen to lie in several fields of English and to have multiple causes. The problems are seen to be mutually reinforcing, and the thesis suggests that, because of this, simple solutions are difficult to find. Recommendations for improvement and further research into English teaching are made.