MATCHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING METHODS IN KUWAITI CLASSROOMS WITH THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISITICS OF ARAB STUDENTS

Abstract

The paper discusses some issues pertaining to English language learning and teaching style considering the psychological characteristics of the Arab (Kuwaiti) students.The paper brings forward the idea that being selective with the appropriate method of learning or teaching a language depends on the class one is going to teach, as a teacher needs to match the method with the learning goals and requirements of the class and the students’ psychological and personal characteristics. The paper introduces some research results carried out in Arab segregated groups (aged 17-20) of the American University of the Middle East of Kuwait, which reveal some psychological features of the students, thus helping the teacher choose the most appropriate and effective method of teaching a foreign language and making the academic process mutually productive.