An Investigation On English Teachers’ Mediation In Model High Schools In Hohhot Inner Mongolia

Nowadays, how to foster students integrative ability of using languageand avoid of knowledge pouring are still the most important problems forEnglish education in our country. To solve these problems, work should bedone started from English teachers. The teaching idea of English teacherscan affect their roles in English class, and at the same time the roles ofEnglish teachers can also reflect their standpoint of teaching. The role ofEnglish teacher influences the mode of interaction and the effect of students learning. Thus, the role of English teacher in the context of Englishclassroom teaching and learning is very essential.Two important concepts of social interactional theory, zone of proximaldevelopment and mediation are reviewed, as well as mediation theory ofFeuerstein and related researches at home and abroad. Feuerstein s theoryenriched teachers traditional roles, teachers as mediators can affectstudentsin a much profound way. Mediation theory cannot only help students toactualize effective teaching, but also direct teachers how to teach students tolearn how to learn effectively. The final goal for teachers as mediators isthere is no mediation needed by students; students can challenge themselves,set goals, manage themselves, inspire themselves and share knowledge withothers, they are autonomous learners, independent thinkers and problemsolvers.This research is based on mediation theory investigated Englishteachers and students in model high schools in the city of Hohhot, InnerMongolia through questionnaires and classroom observation. It is found thatEnglish teachers in this area have good perceptions on the importance ofmediation theory. They also practice some mediation features during teaching to help students to learn English. Comparing with the teachers,students perceptions are lower, but they expected more mediation fromteachers. The frequencies of teachers practices are lower than theirperceptions. Some practical suggestions are proposed based on the result ofthis research. Teachers are suggested to improve their practices andperceptions on some mediation features; they should communicate morewith students to know their needs on teachers mediation and satisfy them,sothat students English learning can bepromoted.