Assessing The Implmentation Of Active Learning Methods In English Class: The Case Of Amuru Secondary School Grade 9 In Focus

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the implementation of active learning methods (ALS) in Amuru Secondary School of Horo Guduru Wollega Zone Oromia Region. The study sought to find out the extent to which teachers and students implement ALS in English classes, to distinguish the dominant methods used in English in the school. In order to achieve this purpose, a descriptive design was employed along with quantitative and qualitative research methods. With this respect, teachers and students were the sources of data for the study. Questionnaires, interview and observation were used as data collection instrument in this study. The total populations of students were 600 and 5 English teachers. Then, 60 students were selected with systematic sampling technique and five teachers were taken by availability sampling. The data obtained through questionnaires were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively and interpreted whereas the information obtained through interview was qualitatively described to supplement the quantitative data. The results of this study revealed that the extent to which teachers implement active learning strategies in English classes was found to be unsatisfactory and low. Teachers used dominantly the traditional teaching methods and students remained passive recipient of knowledge in English classes. Moreover, the study revealed that teachers and students tendency to prefer traditional lecture method. Students‟ poor background knowledge and negative attitude towards their learning, lack of adequate teaching resources and shortage of time to cover the portion, large class, lack of teachers commitment, insufficient training and workshops of teachers on ALM, inaccessibility of facilities and teachers high workload were among the main factors that hindered the implementation of active learning strategies in Amuru Secondary School. Therefore, all concerned bodies should take measure to maximize teachers‟ maximization the implementation of active learning methods in Amuru Secondary School.