Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions and practices of active learning
strategies, to assess how the perceptions of teachers and students influence their practices of
active learning strategies and to identify factors affecting the implementation of active learning
strategies. To conduct the study, qualitative and quantitative method were employed. The study
was conducted in Sheko woreda secondary schools and the data were collected from 95 students
and 10 English teachers from the three secondary schools.
In the selection of the sample population purposive and simple random sampling were used. The
main instruments for data collection were questionnaires, observation, and interviews and
document analysis. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean and grand mean.
The findings of the study revealed that the implementers of active learning strategies (teachers
and students) have perceived active learning strategies negatively. Their practices of active
learning strategies were rarely. Among the factors affecting the effective implementation of
active learning strategies; teachers' and students’ tendency to traditional/lecture methods, lack
of students’ interest, shortage of time, lack of teaching material and large class size were the
major findings. Finally, recommendations were forwarded based on the findings so as to
minimize problems encountered and maximize the implementation of active learning strategies
