Challenges EFL Teachers face in implementing Active Learning Strategies: The case of three Secondary Schools in Jimma Town.

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to investigate the challenges EFL teachers face in implementing active learning strategies in EFL classrooms. Descriptive research method was used. In descriptive research method, both qualitative and quantitative approaches are vital. Three government secondary schools in Jimma town were selected to be the setting of the study and all the twenty English language teachers who have been teaching English in grade ten and 100 students of grade ten were the subjects of the study. In the selection of the sample population, simple random and availability sampling were used for students and teachers respectively. The results of the study showed that teachers had slightly positive perception and understanding on active learning. On the other hand, it was found that teachers lacked practical skills of implementing active learning method in EFL class rooms. Furthermore, it revealed that factors that hindered active learning method in the classrooms were: large class size, shortage of time, lack of students‟ interest and instructional material were the major ones. Based up on the conclusions drawn from the study, active learning was thus recommended to be integrated in to the English classroom. Finally, following recommendations were forwarded, it is important to conduct in-service training so that teachers‟ use of active learning strategies will be improved. Even if appropriate class size may not always be possible, the implementers of active learning should see alternative solutions such as, dividing students into groups, field trip, and others. In addition to this, government bodies and stake holders have to construct extra classes in order to solve the problems of teachers‟ commitment and lack of interest in the profession, school administrators, wereda educational leaders, education bureau and Ministry of Education have to do different awareness creation program.