Qualitative Exploration on the Application of Student-centered Learning in Mathematics and Natural Sciences: The case of Selected General Secondary Schools in Jimma, Ethiopia.

Abstract

This is a qualitative study as a part of general study conducted to assess the enactment of student centered learning in Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Hence, this article intended to explore qualitatively the implementation of student-centered learning in Mathematics and Science subjects from the perspectives of students and teachers in the selected schools. To this end, Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used to solicit information from teachers and students participants, respectively. The collected data categorized into different thematic areas and analysis was done accordingly. The result depicted that students and teachers participated in study have clear conceptual understanding of student-centered learning. However, the implementation was not going smoothly to the required level. This was attributed to constraint of learning materials, large class size, the need for covering contents in the syllabus, lack of interest from student’s side because of various reasons and scarcity of professional teachers. Based on that, action for enhancing the implementation of student-centered learning as well as areas for further research were identified and implied.