The Impacts of EFL Teachers' Behaviour on Their Learners’ Performance: Case of Secondary Schools in Beninese Context

Abstract

This study aims at attempts to examining the impacts of EFL teachers' behaviour on their learners’ achievements in order to suggests some strategies conducive to effective EFL teaching and learning. To reach this goal, quantitative and descriptive research methods have been used; questionnaire sheets have been designed and sent to 90 EFL teachers and to 600 students. Moreover, class observations have been conducted in 10 secondary schools. The data collected reveal a positive correlation between teachers' behaviour and students’ academic achievement. These data also indicate array of teacher behaviour which impacts students ’performance such as teachers’ level of expectation on their learners ‘achievement, teacher ‘constant positive mood, teacher positive attitude towards teaching and students, avoiding using punishment in EFL classes, teacher’s compassion and care for their students, use of congratulating and motivating words in EFL classes, developing friendly interactions with students and maintaining discipline in classroom. In order to create an effective teaching and learning environment, this study recommends re-structuring the learning environment by establishing an intellectual, psychological and physical environment that enables all students to act and react productively .Teachers should also regularly provide positive feedback and make suggestions which are helpful for students ‘character building