The Influence of Instructor Native Language on Student Learning and Instructor Ratings

This paper uses two large databases in introductory microeconomics and introductory macroeconomics classes, to seek the answers to two key questions. First, is student learning significantly different in introductory economics classes taught by instructors whose native language is English than in classes taught by instructors whose native language is not English? Second, do students give significantly different instructor ratings to instructors whose native language is English than to instructors whose native language is not English? In terms of student learning, students appear to learn as much from instructors whose native language is not English as from instructors whose native language is English. With regard to overall instructor ratings, the results of this study indicate that non-native speakers receive significantly lower overall ratings of teaching effectiveness and ratings of ability to communicate than instructors whose native language is English.