Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to explore the impact or influence of the practices of active learning
methods on ‘the learning’ of the students of English language classes. This research was carried out
through qualitative and quantitative researches design with random sampling method. This research
used questionnaires, classroom observations and interviews as data collecting instruments. Employing
simple random sampling procedure, four classes of Arba Minch Secondary and Preparatory School
students and teachers were sampled. The study aims at to: identifying the major factors/challenges in
practicing active learning method in English classes; determining the attitudes of the school teachers
and students towards the practice of active learning method; examining to what extent active learning
methods are being practiced in English language classes in the school. In total Two hundred students
and seven teachers are involved in this study.
The data of the research are gathered from the English language classes (students and teachers) via
instruments developed by the researcher. Therefore, data for this study have been collected from two
bodies (i.e. teachers and students), using several instruments such as classroom observations,
motivational questionnaires, and teacher- interviews to achieve methodological triangulation.
The major findings of this study suggest that the practices of active learning method emphasize the
traditional teaching methods, in which session’s teacher’s talk and students listen. Active learning
methods that are included in the study are inquiry-based learning, problem-based learning, group
work learning, role- playing learning, peer-teaching learning and discussion methods. The common
problems that the study finds are: lack of time & resources to implement problem-based learning;
inflexibility of the time table; negative attitudes of students and teachers; preparations of teaching
materials; and the class size to be covered. It’s hoped that the training and support may improve
teachers’ and students’ feelings as well as the teaching methods.
Educational implications for the application of active learning method in English language teaching,
especially suggestions for teacher development in active learning have been proposed along with the
suggestions for future research.
