Pre-service Teachers’ Beliefs about Language Learning Inventory (BALLI) on EFL Learning: Evaluating the Economic Factors in the Chinese Context

Abstract

In the 21^st century, the transformation of Chinese education going to market has reinforced alongside the deepening marketization process in China since the 1970s. To date, the Chinese have widely accepted English education's marketization. Many Chinese parents register for English classes in private training institutes for their children having a more intense immersion in the English environment and a better performance in school tests. However, the “Double Reduction Policy” implemented in 2021 considerably constrain the development of private. The English students and Preservice English Teachers (PST) have faced unprecedented challenges in the job market. Chinese educational institutes escalate the demands for Chinese ELT pre-service teachers (PSTs) when evaluating their eligibility in interviews. The ELT PSTs cannot proficiently speak English, therefore, are considered inferior in employability. This study utilizes 27 Pre-service Teachers’ Beliefs about Language Learning Inventory (BALLI) survey statements investigating Chinese PSTs’ relevant beliefs. Through examining the participating PSTs’ enrolled program and analyzing the information collected from the group interview with the PSTs, the study explored how the PSTs’ beliefs are related to the demand of the Chinese human resource market. Two concepts, “Material-centered Curriculum” and “Spirit-centered Curriculum,” are raised in this study. Suggestions and implications about how to adjust the curricula for the Chinese ELT PST program are discussed.