Teachers’ Attitudes and Beliefs Towards the Use of Student-Centred Learning in English Language Classes

Abstract

ABSTRACT:This study was conducted to examine teachers' attitudes and beliefs towards the use of StudentCentred Learning in English language classes. In addition, it also sought to examine the extent of studentcentred learning practices amongst primary school teachers have on their students' performance in the English language. A survey was carried out to collect data from 147 primary school English language teachers in Perlis. The questionnaires were used to determine the teachers' beliefsand attitudes towards studentcentred learning and to measure the extent teachers practice or attempt to practice student-centred learning in their classrooms. The results for March Test and mid-term examinations were also collected from 346 respondents of Year Five students to determine the relationship between student-centred learning practices and the students' achievement. The findings of this research showed that there were positive attitudes of the English language teachers towards student-centred learning. However, the teachers employ both studentcentred and teacher-centred learning strategies in teaching English language for the primary school. Apart from that, the findings also revealed that there was a positive relationship between student-centred learning practices and students' achievement in the English language subject but the relationship was a weak relationship.As such, recommendations were proposed in terms of improving teacher training and future research to investigate further on student-centred learning practices in Malaysia.

Teachers’ attitudes towards student-centered pedagogy and assessment practices: instruction efficacy in perspective

“…They understand that a student-centered approach to teaching the wants and needs of the students. Moreover, the findings of this study are in line with the research [16], who demonstrated positive attitudes of the EFL teachers toward student-centered learning. In addition, the results of this study are consistent with previous study [23], whose findings indicated that both students and teachers had positive attitudes toward implementing learner centered pedagogy.…”

“…In addition, the results of this study are consistent with previous study [23], whose findings indicated that both students and teachers had positive attitudes toward implementing learner centered pedagogy. Likewise, the findings of this study align with the research [16], who noted that there were positive attitudes of English language teachers towards studentcentered learning. The results of this study are also consistent with the study [31], who claim that although teachers and students hold positive attitudes toward student-centered approach, they still encounter several issues that prevent the application of the student-centered approach in the classroom.…”

“…In addition, Salleh and Yusoff [16] conducted a study to examine teachers' attitudes and beliefs toward using Student-Centered Learning in English language classes. A survey and questionnaires were used as research instruments.…”

“…The benefit of having a favorable attitude toward studentcentered learning strategies may include group projects which provide students the confidence to take on obstacles and enjoy learning. Salleh and Yusoff [16] listed the advantages of positive attitudes toward student-centered learning methods.…”

Self-efficacy and Differentiated Instruction: A Study among Malaysian School Teachers

“…However, despite the changes and continual improvements in the education system, differentiated instruction has not often been put into practice, and no much difference has been seen in the teaching methods applied by teachers as compared to before [6], [7]. It is found that traditional teaching methods which are teacher-centered are still dominating instruction [8], [9]. Besides, teachers tend to implement direct instruction in their teaching and learning process too [10].…”