Perspectives on teaching Palestinian first graders reading in English : teachers’ experiences and training

الملخص EN

-The researcher investigated the Palestinian first grade EFLteachers’ experience and training with respect to their general level of education, academic qualifications, years of teaching experience in addition to their competence in the English language study skills: reading, writing and speaking as well as their professional development regarding the child development theory, learning theory and appraisal skills.

The aim of the current study is to understand the impact of the knowledge of the teachers on the Palestinian education system preparedness to teach first graders to read in English.

Questionnaires were distributed to 50 public schools English language teachers of first graders in the public school system to practice self- assessment in the areas mentioned above.

A significant number of teachers reported lack in training in the areas mentioned above.

Generally, teachers rated their education in these areas as Good and Satisfactory.

The researcher concluded that this significant number who evaluated their training as satisfactory and weak need immediate training as this training is viewed indispensible to their efficiency in EFL in particular when teaching reading.