Active learner participation

Abstract

Abstract provided by author:

Two research approaches were used to collect data, namely interviews and observations of the BETD INSET graduate teachers' classroom practice with respect to active learner participation

The purpose of interviews was to solicit the views, experiences and practices of the BETD INSET teachers regarding active learner participation in their classes. In addition, three lessons of each of the 15 BETD INSET teachers were observed. Classroom observation provided the researcher with the opportunity to actually observe how the teachers practiced active learner involvement and the class interactions during the instructional process

The frequency tables were used to analyze the data collected

From the results of this study, it seems that the BETD INSET programme has positive effects on the teachers' practice in the classroom. It seems as if the teachers have changed their teaching methods as required by the new teaching philosophy, namely Learner Centered Education (LCE) in Namibian schools that promotes active learner participation. The discussion method was observed as a common teaching method used by the BETD INSET teachers in their classrooms. Discovery and experiential methods were practiced less by 40 percent in the BETD INSET teachers' classrooms

The results also indicated that the learners' role had changed from passive receivers to knowledge constructors. To a large extent, 70 percent of the learners made contributions to the class discussion by answering and asking the teacher questions. However to a lesser extent, 30 percent of the learners formulated concepts and learned by doing

It was also found that various factors hindered the practice of active learner participation in the BETD INSET teachers' classes such as: Language problems experienced by some learners; Classes lack of enough textbooks and other teaching and learning facilities; Shyness among learners; Automatic promotion from grade to grade; Very large classes sizes; and Poor involvement of parents in the education of their children

The study recommends that the BETD In service programme be continued until all other teachers who have got other qualifications other than the BETD certificate are catered for in order to enable them practice active learner participation in their classes