The effect of class size on teaching and learning English as a foreign language (EFL) has been through a contentious debate among researchers for a long time. Before the 1950's the concern about the effect of class size and the learning outcomes of students in such classes waned for some time. Yet, researchers have reconsidered the case once again and up to now it is a field of investigation. Therefore, through reviewing the existing literature on this area and examples culled from the teachers' experience, the aim of the present study are twofold:(1) to ascertain the impact of large classes on the teaching and learning outcomes, and (2) to suggest appropriate strategies Saudi secondary teachers can utilize in their large classes to facilitate English teaching and learning. To reach the aim of this study, six Saudi English teachers from two public schools were interviewed to express their perceptions about teaching in large classes. Research results present that all participants find it daunting to teach large classes. Teachers also comment that despite their efforts to elevate the level of language learning in such context, the outcome of their students is considered to be unsatisfactory. They believe that this can be contributed to the fact that there are big numbers of students in one class and wish for the number to be reduced. The study findings shed the light on some useful and effective methods to be applied in large classes which may facilitate the language teaching and learning.
The overall purpose of this paper is to explore the adverse effect of COVID-19 on the learning environment in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Considering that the impact of the coronavirus on education was abrupt, there was no contingency plan to mitigate the effect other than to shift to remote learning. The research addresses the question whether online/distance learning classes were effective. To deal with the research questions, the authors elicited teachers’ and students’ perceptions of regarding the challenges they faced amidst COVID-19 in learning via virtual mode- the only alternative e-learning strategy available at the time of social distancing. Hence it is important to mention that King Abdulaziz University (KAU) has been using e-learning/blended learning for more than a decade under the umbrella of the deanship of distance learning of KAU, however, in a different scenario. Data was collected from teachers and students through two questionnaires (adapted). The results reported that the majority of the participants had positive attitudes towards E-learning. It was also found that students were prepared to shift to online mode to avoid any academic loss.
The flare-up of coronavirus has reportedly put on many changes and wrecked chaos in almost all life aspects, economically, academically, and socially. School closure has led to homeschooling, where the responsibility of children's education was laid mainly in the parents' hands. Consequently, many parents were compelled to be significantly involved in their children's education. However, full parental engagement in children's education is seemed to be a comparatively new trend amongst Saudi parents. Drawing from existing literature on parents' involvement, this paper used a quantitative descriptive study through a survey method to access the experience of Saudi parents involved in homeschooling. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 51 Saudi parents.The findings showed that even though Saudi parents have encountered some challenges, they are facilitating their children's learning and assisting them throughout the online learning process. Parents' support was identified in different areas such as ensuring students' attendance of online sessions, nurturing a good session flow, connecting with teachers and parents via WhatsApp group, and taking full responsibility for mongering their children during exams. The result provided a comprehensive set of recommendations not only to parents but also to schools to consolidate a good connection between especially in times of crisis. It is envisaged that the results of this study will enrich the literature about this phenomenon which seems relatively new not only in the context where this study was situated but worldwide due to the pandemic of coronavirus or other unforeseen circumstances.
Motivation is a fundamental factor to fructify any functional and effective classroom setting with interest, hope and expressive fruitful teaching experience. Motivating foreign language learners to advance successfully in learning the target language (English) is a domain that has been discussed widely in many language learning studies. In fact, there is still much argumentation on to what extent motivation influence language learning as there is not clear evidence of how motivation manipulates the success or failure of the target language. It is noticeable that language learners, in this case Saudi university students, do not invest as much time in learning English as they do in learning their specialist subjects. This paper tends to look at the meaning of motivation and how far does it go to affect language learning. It also attempts to investigate factors that frustrate learners by conducting different research tools such as interviews and questionnaires for both English students and instructors. Research results present that many students dislike English classes and wish not to participate or attend them. Additionally, teachers comment that despite the efforts to promote language learning, the outcome of their students is considered to be unsatisfactory. Teachers believe that this can be contributed to the fact that they are pressed to complete fixed curriculum in a limited period of time and abide by strict instruction to evaluate their students with no room left for them to personalize their own learning experience. Therefore, teachers need to be given opportunities to broaden their pedagogical repertoires and make English learning more engaging and more meaningful. The study implications shed the light on some useful hints to be applied in EFL classes.
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