Teachers’ Understanding of Self-Selected Learning Methods and Their Implementation in the Classroom

Abstract

A learning method is a systematic and regular process carried out by teachers in conveying material to their students. Effective implementation of learning methods leads to success in achieving the learning objectives. Teachers are required to have a comprehensive understanding of various learning methods to enable them to select and implement the most suitable one for each learning activity.  This study was conducted by employing a qualitative method to investigate learning methods selected by the teachers and their implementation in an English language classroom. Data were collected by conducting in-depth interviews with English teachers and direct observations were carried out to determine the suitability of the implementation of the teaching method chosen by the teachers. In this study, the understanding and accuracy of the selection of learning methods are strongly influenced by educational background. Teachers who do not come from teacher education were not able to understand teaching methods well. On the other hand, teachers who are well-educated at the teachers’ college have a good understanding of teaching methods and appropriate implementation. Therefore, this study implies that teachers need to undertake more in-depth and intensive training on innovative learning methods.