Diagnóstico de la situación actual con estudiantes nativo hablantes del inglés en clases de inglés

Abstract

Introduction. This study attempts to diagnose the number of both native and heritage language speakers of English in EFL compulsory classes in the educational system in Cuenca. Objective. It is intended that through this piece of research, perceptions about NES and HLS of English students from their own outlook and teachers' standpoint are analyzed in terms of classroom behavioral aspects, 5 language abilities as seen from each stakeholder, and potential problems, as well as future and further areas of research, are discussed. Methodology. To do this, 12 different schools (7 private, 3 semi-private, and 2 public) were surveyed to find out whether or not there is a significant number of these  two populations of students. Results. This diagnostic serves to identify the following aspects: (1) There is a considerable number of Native and Heritage language speakers of English in Cuenca mainly studying in private schools. (2) This study can be used as a bedrock for future and further research which analyzes affective aspects and classroom perceptions (including non-native peers’ opinions). Another aspect concluded is that (3) future studies should address elements that have to do with what happens with the language abilities of the heritage and native speakers of English once they move to a country where Spanish is the language of dominance. Finally, (4) there is a need for strategies to help teachers deal with mixed-learner classes.