Teacher And Student Perceptions And Practices Of Active Learning:Ticho Preparatory School In Focus.

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to assess teacher and student perceptions and practices of active learning and problems which hindered its implementation in EFL classes at Ticho Preparatory School. In order to undertake the study, the research questions asked were how teachers and students perceived the applications of active learning; what were the active teaching and learning practices implemented. And what were the major problems that hindered the implementations of active teaching and learning. Participants of the study were two English language instructors and 49 students from grade 11 and 12. The research tools used were questionnaire, classroom observation and interview. Questionnaire was administered to 44 students selected systematically from the list while interview was carried with two English teachers and five students purposively selected from grade 11 and 12. Classroom observation with the help of check list was employed to assess the practice of active teaching and learning. The information gained from questionnaire and through observation checklist was discussed using quantitative method which was through frequency (percentages) and mean value. The information gained through interviews was discussed qualitatively. The findings of the study indicated that teacher and student perception of active learning was weak. Besides, the implementations of active learning were limited to pair and group work and answering questions. The finding also indicated that problems that affected active learning were students’ lack of interest to active learning strategies, shortage of time and large class size to implement active learning. Finally, based on the findings of the study recommendation were made to improve the problems to concerned bodies, such as, teachers, parents, and school principa