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Исследование корреляции характеристик деятельности преподавателя с удовлетворенностью дистанционным курсом иностранного языка
Now that universities compete for applicants, the quality of education and student satisfaction gain a particular significance. Instructors’ professional skills influence both parameters. This holds true for distance (online) teaching and learning, which has recently become a norm in higher education. This study aims to examine the correlation between student satisfaction with a foreign language distance course and instructor characteristics. The characteristics were singled out in the review of literature. The data were gathered through a survey among bachelor students who took a distance course of English for Specific Purposes. The analysis of correlations between professional characteristics of the instructors and the students’ satisfaction with the course demonstrated that professional skills and practices have a significant impact on student satisfaction with distance courses. In distance (online) learning, whether the instructor is able to motivate and engage students has the most significant correlation with student satisfaction. As for foreign language teaching, outlining course expectations, giving constructive feedback, managing class time, delivering the material in an accessible and vivid manner, providing opportunities for practice, bringing in variety and challenge ensure satisfaction, motivation and perceived usefulness of a course. Other crucial factors are whether the distance course is interesting and useful in the students’ perceptions, and the students’ levels of motivation. Instructors should be provided with necessary skills and instruments.