Students’ Perceptions of the Lecture and Active Learning...

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1 Students’ Perceptions of the Lecture and Active Learning Methods in Teaching: A Study of Asian Students Pak T. Lee, 1 Nguyen Thi Phuong Linh, 2 Sunisa Thatong 3 1 School of Business, Pacific Adventist University, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; 2 Faculty of Business Administration, Asia-Pacific International University, Muak Lek, Thailand; [email protected]; and 3 Faculty of Business Administration, Asia-Pacific International University, Muak Lek, Thailand ABSTRACT: Educators commonly use lectures to transfer knowledge to their students, even though the lecture method is considered out-dated by many instructors, who believe methods that actively involve students in the learning process are more beneficial and effective. Findings on teaching methods, however, have been mixed and inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to establish Asian students’ perceptions of the two learning methods. The results, overall, showed that students perceived that lectures helped them to remember material content better, prepared them well for exams, and lead them to think more deeply about the subject content. At the same time, students also expressed their desires to take an active part in learning. The responses showed that a large number of students would like to see active learning methods used in classrooms. Variables such as gender and student status had no significant influence on the perceptions of teaching methods. However, there were differences in students’ perceptions between programs of study. In summary, the results seem to suggest that students perceived that the lecture method of learning, together with active learning involving teachers and students, maximized their learning. Keywords: lecture method, active learning method, perceptions of teaching methods Introduction The background of the study Education has witnessed a lot of changes in recent decades because of the rapid development of the economy, technology, and a highly demanding environment. The goal of education is not only to transfer knowledge from teachers to students but is also viewed as facilitating students’ autonomous learning and self-expression (Bar-Yam, Rhoades, Sweeney, Kaput, & Bar-Yam, 2002). One of the many challenges facing education systems is the effectiveness of teaching. Teaching methods play a crucial role in students’ academic performance as well as learning experience. Many educators believe that the traditional lecture approach of teaching is ineffective and out-dated. De Los Santos, Kupczynski, and Bain (2016) went as far as to say that The lecture method is D-E-A- D”. According to Roehl, Reddy, and Shannon (2013), the lecture method is no longer beneficial for teaching students in higher education, and educators should understand the reason why this approach is not the most effective pedagogy available to instructors. Johnson, Adams, Becker, Estrada and Freeman (2014) found indicators of increasing issues with the traditional lecture model. However, because of large university classes, Marmah (2014) believes that the most economical method of teaching is still the lecture and researchers like Druger (1999), and Khan & Akbar (1997), argue that in many developing countries, lecturing is the dominant and traditional method of teaching. The writers of this paper believe that students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of lectures and active learning methods are more significant than the perceptions of their teachers. Rationale for the study At a time when many instructors are being encouraged to use active learning methods instead of lectures, it is timely and useful to do more research on the students’ perspective. To date, results suggest that students’ perceptions are not in agreement with many educators’ beliefs about the lecture

Transcript of Students’ Perceptions of the Lecture and Active Learning...

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Students’ Perceptions of the Lecture and Active Learning

Methods in Teaching: A Study of Asian Students

Pak T. Lee,1 Nguyen Thi Phuong Linh,2 Sunisa Thatong3 1School of Business, Pacific Adventist University, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; 2Faculty of Business Administration, Asia-Pacific International University, Muak Lek,

Thailand; [email protected]; and 3Faculty of Business Administration, Asia-Pacific International

University, Muak Lek, Thailand

ABSTRACT: Educators commonly use lectures to transfer knowledge to their students, even though

the lecture method is considered out-dated by many instructors, who believe methods that actively

involve students in the learning process are more beneficial and effective. Findings on teaching

methods, however, have been mixed and inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to establish

Asian students’ perceptions of the two learning methods. The results, overall, showed that students

perceived that lectures helped them to remember material content better, prepared them well for

exams, and lead them to think more deeply about the subject content. At the same time, students also

expressed their desires to take an active part in learning. The responses showed that a large number of

students would like to see active learning methods used in classrooms. Variables such as gender and

student status had no significant influence on the perceptions of teaching methods. However, there

were differences in students’ perceptions between programs of study. In summary, the results seem to

suggest that students perceived that the lecture method of learning, together with active learning

involving teachers and students, maximized their learning.

Keywords: lecture method, active learning method, perceptions of teaching methods

Introduction

The background of the study

Education has witnessed a lot of changes in recent decades because of the rapid development of the

economy, technology, and a highly demanding environment. The goal of education is not only to

transfer knowledge from teachers to students but is also viewed as facilitating students’ autonomous

learning and self-expression (Bar-Yam, Rhoades, Sweeney, Kaput, & Bar-Yam, 2002). One of the

many challenges facing education systems is the effectiveness of teaching. Teaching methods play a

crucial role in students’ academic performance as well as learning experience.

Many educators believe that the traditional lecture approach of teaching is ineffective and out-dated.

De Los Santos, Kupczynski, and Bain (2016) went as far as to say that “The lecture method is D-E-A-

D”. According to Roehl, Reddy, and Shannon (2013), the lecture method is no longer beneficial for

teaching students in higher education, and educators should understand the reason why this approach

is not the most effective pedagogy available to instructors. Johnson, Adams, Becker, Estrada and

Freeman (2014) found indicators of increasing issues with the traditional lecture model. However,

because of large university classes, Marmah (2014) believes that the most economical method of

teaching is still the lecture and researchers like Druger (1999), and Khan & Akbar (1997), argue that

in many developing countries, lecturing is the dominant and traditional method of teaching. The

writers of this paper believe that students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of lectures and active

learning methods are more significant than the perceptions of their teachers.

Rationale for the study

At a time when many instructors are being encouraged to use active learning methods instead of

lectures, it is timely and useful to do more research on the students’ perspective. To date, results

suggest that students’ perceptions are not in agreement with many educators’ beliefs about the lecture

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method of teaching. Students in lecture-style classes perceive that they learn a great deal from

lectures, are engaged in the learning process, and involved in independent thinking and problem

solving (Covill, 2011). Although many researchers believe that active learning methods should be

used (Marbach-Ad, Seal, & Sokolove, 2001; Jungst, Licklider, & Wiersema, 2003), others argue that

the lecture method is still dominant, beneficial and has been the most used teaching method (Marmah,

2014; McKeachie, 1997; Bligh, 2000). Research findings are inconclusive. Thus, there is a need for

more study about students’ perceptions of these teaching methods, particularly in the Asian classroom

environment, to get more insight about Asian students’ perceptions. Traditionally, Asian students

have been seen as passive and teacher-centered learners.

The objectives of the study

It is the purpose of this study to survey the perceptions of Asian students regarding the lecture and

active learning teaching methods. This study also aims to examine if there is any significant

difference in students’ perceptions of teaching methods based on gender, student status, and program

of study.

Significance of the study

This study will expand the theory of teaching methods in the Asian learning context and help lecturers

to understand the perceptions of students toward the lecture method and active learning methods.

From the results of this study, lecturers can apply appropriate teaching methods to enhance students’

learning experiences in the Asian education environment, thus making learning more meaningful

which in turn may encourage students to take a more active and deeper approach to learning.

Review of Current Literature

Active learning methods are promoted as the better methods of teaching and learning (Marbach-Ad,

Seal, & Sokolove, 2001; Jungst, Licklider, & Wiersema, 2003). The promotion of active learning is

based on the constructivist point of view. The constructivist approach places students at the center of

the learning process as teachers help them to interact with content and create their own knowledge

(Bachman & Bachman, 2011). Believers in this approach to learning argue that in order for

meaningful learning to take place, students must actively engage with the subject matter through

discussions, hands-on activities, problem solving and so on.

There are many strategies that may be used to engage students actively in the learning process. These

strategies may include instructors asking students to respond to questions during lectures, discussions,

problem solving, case studies, role play, and other student participatory activities. Lumpkin, Achen &

Dodd (2015, p. 123) describe active learning as “…any activity encouraging students to participate in

learning approaches, engaging them with course material and enhancing critical thinking as they make

applications beyond the classroom.” Bonwell and Eison (1991) take a similar view of active learning

as any teaching method that engages students in the learning process.

The promotion of active learning comes from suggestions that active learning increases student

achievement (O’Sullivan & Cooper, 2003; Christianson & Fisher, 1999). Berry (2008) claims that

active learning increases retention of concepts over time. It is thought that active learning leads to

better student attitudes and improvement in students’ thinking and writing (Bonwell and Eison, 1991).

According to Covill (2011), college professors are chastised for hanging on to the traditional lecture

approach of teaching, and are encouraged to adopt approaches that make students responsible for their

own learning through methods such as participating in problem solving, reading and discovery,

questions and discussions. Covill goes on to say that active learning is presented as the best approach

to learning regardless of class size, subject matter, characteristics of the learners involved, and the

culture of the learning institution (Covill, 2011). However, he adds that the use of active learning is

promoted even though the research findings are not conclusive as to the effectiveness of these

methods.

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In the view of the writers of this paper, teaching using active learning methods involves much more

work in preparation than the lecture method. We agree with the view of some researchers that in order

for active learning to be effective, teachers must provide significant direction and structure in the

learning process. When students are left to their own exploring of subject matter, with limited

direction from the teacher, little may be achieved (Mayer, 2004; Kirschner & Clark, 2006).

Some proponents of active learning methods see the lecture method as a passive way of learning and

receiving information from instructors (Hansen & Stephens, 2000). Other educators see the lecture

method as relying on instructors to tell students what they need to know, and believe that the lecture

method encourages students to avoid responsibility for their own learning (Machemer & Crawford,

2007). It is argued that learning through lectures is relatively superficial and transient (Phipps, Kask,

& Higgens, 2001; Moust, Van Berkel, & Schmidt, 2005), and is a lot less effective than getting

students engaged in the learning process (Lumpkin, Achen & Dodd, 2015; Diamond, 2008). Bonwell

and Eison (1991) suggest that the sole use of lectures in the classroom limits students’ learning.

Tomlinson (2000) shows skepticism on the usefulness of the lecturing approach. He states that

lecturing minimizes feedback from students, and assumes an unrealistic level of students’

understanding and comprehension, disengaging students from the learning process and causing

information to be quickly forgotten. Machemer & Crawford (2007) join the call for change, rejecting

the notion that students are passive listeners and appealing for an approach of putting students at the

center of the teaching and learning process. They continue by arguing that the passive learning

method (lectures) can be effectively transformed using active learning strategies, which focus on

students rather than teachers, as the conveyors of all knowledge.

The lecture method of teaching is one of the oldest and may still be the most used teaching method in

higher education institutions. In the classroom context, a lecture is defined as the instructor standing

before a class and presenting information for the students to learn with very little exchange between

the instructor and the students during the lecture (Marmah, 2014). It has been the primary method of

teaching and learning in higher education since the very early days of post-secondary education

(Bligh, 2000; McKeachie, 1997), and there are findings that support the effectiveness of the lecture

method (Struyven, Dochy & Janssen, 2008; Benson, et al, (n.d)). Given the increasing pressures for

funding facing higher education in many countries, Bates (2000) and Laurillard (1993) point out that

the lecture method is likely to continue to be the most used method of teaching. Marmah (2014)

concurs with this view, citing the prevalence of large classes as a further reason for the continued use

of the lecture method. Researchers like Druger (1999), and Khan & Akbar (1997), hold the view that

in many developing countries, lecturing is the dominant and traditional method of teaching.

Although new strategies for teaching and learning have been advocated and promoted in higher

education and despite the devaluing of the lecture method by many researchers, the writers of this

paper believe that the lecture method will continue to be the main method used in tertiary institutions

in Asia, whether or not it is the best method of teaching, because of the prevalence of large classes

and its ease of use for both small and large classes.

Despite the belief by many educators that the traditional lecture approach to teaching is out-of-date or

ineffective, research studies on students’ perceptions suggest that the lecture method is preferred over

other methods (Struyen, Dochy, & Janssens, 2008; Benson, et al, n.d.; Leeds, Stull & Westbrook,

1998). In students’ evaluations of teaching, they negatively evaluated teachers who required more

work (active learning methods) and positively evaluated the lecture style teachers. Benson, et al (n.d.)

study results show that students rated the lecture method as the best teaching method because (1) the

teacher provided all knowledge related to the topic, (2) it was a time saving method in which students

listened to the lecture attentively and took notes. Qualters’ (2001) findings also suggest that students

do not like active learning methods because of the class time taken by activities, fear of not covering

all the material in the course, and anxiety about changing from traditional classroom expectations to

the active learning setting. Others found that students preferred the lecture approach because lectures

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enabled them to listen passively. Instructors organized the subject matter for them, and prepared them

well for tests (McKeachie, 1997).

A study of students’ preferences regarding teaching methods, conducted by Rivkin, Pharm & Gim,

(n.d.) on a class of two hundred students in a drug-induced diseases and clinical toxicology course,

found that they preferred traditional lectures to other instructional methods. This finding is supported

by Leeds, Stull & Westbrook, (1998), whose findings showed similar results. In Rivkin, Pharm &

Gim’s, (n.d.) study, students’ perceptions on both content delivery and helpfulness in examination

preparation favored the traditional lecture method. Struyen, Dochy and Janssen’s (2008) study also

showed students’ evaluations of the lecture method to be mostly positive. Baldwin (1993), comparing

students taught in a mass-lecture format with a group exclusively in small classes, discovered that the

former group performed more favorably. Nolan (1974) explained that one reason students favored

lectures was because lectures forced them to take notes. Felder and Brent (1996) noted that students

actually became sullen and hostile when teachers attempted to force them to be active and take

responsibility for their own learning, believing that paying tuition entitled them to be taught by a

teacher, rather than teaching themselves. They also positively evaluated the lecture style teachers.

In summary, a review of literature regarding the lecture and active learning methods of teaching

reveal no complete agreement among researchers that one method is superior or inferior to the other,

irrespective of class size and culture. Some findings appear to suggest that active learning methods

increase student achievement, writing and thinking, while others show no difference between the

lecture and active learning methods. Yet other research indicates that the lecture method produces

better learning results. Interestingly, studies into students’ perceptions reveal not only mostly positive

attitudes towards the lecture method, but a degree of hostility towards active learning activities.

Researchers like Hackathorn, Solomon, Blankmeyer, Tennial & Garczynski (2011), argue that each

teaching technique has its own unique benefits and is effective for various levels of learning. Their

findings support the notion that active learning techniques do aid in increasing learning. In class

activities, they found that active learning led to higher overall scores than any other teaching methods

and that the lecture method led to the lowest overall scores of any of the teaching methods. The debate

goes on as researchers continue to explore the relative merits of lectures verses active learning

methods. Many educators keep on promoting and viewing active learning as superior to the lecturing

method. The question is whether active learning methods are superior to the lecture method from

students’ perspectives. This study primarily aims at establishing Asian students’ perceptions of the

lecture method and active learning methods of teaching and learning, to find out if these students see

the lecture method as passive, disengaging, unchallenging, and teacher dependent and the active

learning methods as more engaging, and challenging.

Data and Methodology

Data and Sampling

When conducting this research, the researchers had limited time and budget, so were unable to collect

data from the entire student population. Consequently, a sample of 300 students was involved. Data

were collected from April to May in 2017.

Research Questions

Data collected were analyzed to find answers to the following research questions.

1. What are students’ perceptions of the lecture method of teaching and learning?

2. What are students’ perceptions of the active learning methods (lectures plus student activities

such as student participation, discussions, asking questions, working in groups, self-learning, etc.)

of teaching and learning?

3. Are there differences between gender perceptions?

4. Are there differences in perceptions based on student status?

5. What are students’ attitudes toward the lecture and the active methods of teaching?

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Research Hypotheses

H1: There is a significant relationship between gender and students’ perceptions of the lecture method

and active learning methods in teaching.

H2: There is a significant relationship between program of study and students’ perception of the

lecture method and active learning methods in teaching.

H3: There is a significant relationship between student status and students’ perception of the lecture

method and active learning methods in teaching.

Data Analysis

In this study, questionnaires were the main instrument for data collection. Answers to these surveys

were converted into numbers for analysis. The questionnaire was divided into two parts: background

information collecting information for demographic factors, and students’ perceptions of the lecture

method and active learning methods. Data were put into a statistical program and researchers used the

following methods:

Descriptive Statistics: are used to describe the basic features of students’ perceptions about the

lecture method and active learning methods

T-test: assesses whether the means of two groups are statistically different from each other.

ANOVA analysis: is a statistical technique used to test a hypothesis concerning the means of

three or more groups.

Results and Findings

Descriptive Statistics

Figure 1: Percentage of Gender

Figure 2: Program of Study

42.7

57.3

Percentage of Gender

Male Female

35.3

14.721.7

9.0

12.76.7

Program of Study

Business Education

Humanities Nursing/Health

Religious Studies Science

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From Figure 1, there were 128 males (42.7 percent) and 172 females (57.3 percent) who

participated in the survey. Figure 2 shows students who participated in this study are in the

Business program (35.3%), in Humanities (21.7%), in Education (14.7%), in Religious Studies

(12.7%), in the Nursing program (9%), and in Science (6.7%). As shown in Figure 3, most of the

Asian students in this study are from second year (36%). The others were first year (24.3%), third

year (20.3%) and senior year (19.3%).

Figure 3: Year of Study

Analysis of Students’ Perceptions

The perceptions of students were positive about both methods of teaching. For analysis purposes, the

perceptions of students are reported under two main sections: students’ perceptions of the lecture

method and students’ perceptions of active learning methods. See Table 1 for the means, standard

deviations, and percentages relating to the lecture teaching method.

Students’ Perceptions of the Lecture Method

The perceptions of the lecture method are divided into three parts for purposes of analyses: the

method, listening and learning, and teacher-centered learning.

Perceptions of the Lecture Method

The lecture is still a popular method of delivery in the classrooms among teachers. From Table 1, over

70 percent of students indicated that their teachers used the lecture method most of the time. Almost

77 percent of respondents preferred teaching methods that helped them learn by remembering

important points given by the lecturers. As many as 73 percent of the respondents liked teaching

methods that helped them to see how subject materials were organized and presented by the teacher.

Just over half the students saw the lecture method as a way of teaching that prepared them for tests

and examinations. Furthermore, 50 percent of students liked teaching methods that did not force them

to think and challenge their learning. Interestingly, more than 58 percent of students viewed the

lecture method as the best way to show students how complex problems were solved, and 62.7

percent of respondents said that lectures helped them to understand complex subject material (See

Table 1 for more details).

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

First year Secondyear

Third year Fourth year

73

108

61 58

Year of Study

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Table 1: Students’ Perceptions of the Lecture Method of Teaching

Mean Standard

deviation

Percent

agreed

Percent

disagreed

No

opinion

The Teaching Method

My teachers use the lecture method of teaching most of

the time. 3.84 .805 70.7 24.3 5.0

I prefer teaching methods that help me to learn by

remembering important points given by the teacher. 3.95 .837 76.7 18.3 5.0

The lecture method is the best way to show students

how complex problems are solved. 3.62 .852 58.7 32.7 8.7

I like teaching methods that help me to see how subject

materials are organized and presented. 3.93 .790 73.7 22.7 3.7

Lectures help me to understand complex subject

material. 3.68 .845 62.7 30.0 7.3

I like the lecture method of teaching because I do not

have to do the thinking. 2.98 1.089 32.0 34.7 33.3

The lecture method prepares me well for examinations

and tests. 3.52 .901 54.3 35.0 10.7

I do not like the idea that I am responsible for my own

learning. 2.96 1.101 31.3 34.0 34.7

I like teaching methods that do not force me to think and

challenge my learning. 3.41 1.163 50.3 28.3 21.3

Listening and Learning

Listening to lectures is the most effective way to learn. 3.34 .983 45.7 35.3 19.0

Listening to the teacher and taking notes helps me to

pass examinations. 3.75 .895 65.0 27.3 7.7

Listening to a lecture helps me to think about the subject

matter deeply. 3.47 .901 51.3 35.3 13.3

Listening to lectures helps me to remember the content

better. 3.52 .901 56.3 31.0 12.7

I learn to think critically by listening to lectures. 3.51 .867 53.7 35.7 10.7

I am very happy and comfortable to learn by listening

and taking notes. 3.58 .938 59.7 28.3 12.0

I learn more by listening to the teacher than any other

teaching methods. 3.29 .994 42.3 39.3 18.3

I learn a lot by listening to lectures in class. 3.62 .890 59.3 31.0 9.7

Teacher Centered Learning

The lecture method of teaching presents the teacher as a

role model for students. 3.58 .860 55.0 36.3 8.7

The lecture method of teaching ensures that the teacher

knows the subject content. 3.70 .883 62.7 29.3 8.0

I attend classes to learn from my teachers and not to

learn from other students. 3.12 1.050 36.3 36.7 27.0

I find it very difficult to do learning myself without the

teacher telling me what to learn. 3.40 1.008 47.7 35.7 16.7

I like teaching methods where the teachers do all the

talking. 2.70 1.065 23.3 33.0 43.7

I prefer learning situations where the teacher tells me

what I need to know about the subject. 3.99 .834 79.0 16.0 5.0

I pay tuition fees for every class so I expect teachers to

tell me what to learn. 3.94 .933 69.0 24.3 6.7

Perceptions of Learning by Listening

With regard to perceptions of learning by listening, about 65 percent of students said that listening and

the taking of notes helped them to pass examinations and tests. Just over fifty-nine percent of

responding students perceived that they learned a lot by listening to lectures in class, while 56 percent

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perceived that listening to lectures helped them to remember the content material better. Close to 54

percent of students who participated in this survey perceived that they learned to think critically by

listening to lectures. In addition, about 52 percent also said that listening to lectures helped them to

think about the subject matter deeply. Something like 60 percent of respondents felt happy and

comfortable to learn by listening and taking notes. Another 42 percent indicated that they learned

more by listening to the teacher than any other teaching method with more than 18% of students

having no opinion. Forty-five (45) percent perceived listening to lectures as the most effective way of

learning, while 35 percent of respondents disagreed and 19% had no opinion.

Teacher-Centered Learning

Teacher-centered learning is still popular with students. About 79 percent of respondents preferred

learning situations where the teachers tell them what they need to know about the subject.

Approximately 69 percent of students believed that teachers were paid to teach and they expected

their teachers to tell them what to learn. Almost 63 percent indicated that the lecture method of

teaching ensured that the teachers know the subject content, with 55 percent of respondents perceiving

that the lecture method of teaching presented the teacher as a role model for students.

As many as 47.7 percent of students surveyed found it difficult to learn without the teacher telling

them what to learn, but 35 percent disagreed and 16 percent had no opinion. (See Table 1 for more

details).

Students’ Perceptions of Active Methods of Teaching and Learning

Perceptions of Active Learning Methods

An analysis of students’ responses shows that over 62 percent of respondents indicated that their

teachers used mixed methods (lecture and student activities) in most classes. This is below the 70

percent responses reported of the lecture method. It is interesting to note that more than 76 percent of

responses said they like classes where the teacher mixed lectures with student activities to apply

concepts. The high percentage of students favoring the active learning method suggests that students

are seeing the benefits of playing a more active role in learning and are favoring teaching methods

that help them to maximize their learning.

Perceptions of Participative Learning

The results seem to suggest that students would like to participate in their learning. Seventy-five (75)

percent of respondents perceived that students should take an active part in learning by discovering

and discussing in class and close to 75 percent of respondents said they would like learning situations

where they could take an active role in discussions and questions. Close to 75 percent of respondents

said that participating in class activities helped them to think about their learning. Nearly 71 percent

indicated that they learned best when they had opportunities to interact with other students and

teachers in class, with 70 percent of respondents expressing their desire to see more classes being

taught with some emphasis on student participation. In addition, more than 67 percent of students

perceived that student participation in classes would be the best way for students to learn subject

content. Almost the same percentage of students (66.7) indicated that they would like to participate by

putting forward their points of view. Sixty-five (65) percent of respondents said that they learned to

think critically in classes where they could participate in activities organized by teachers.

Working in Groups

A large percentage of students expressed a desire to work in groups. About 60 percent (59.7)

perceived that they learned more in classes where they worked together with other students, doing the

learning with others (63% of responses) and working in groups on cases and projects with other

students (50 % of responses). In addition, students saw that working in groups helped them to

understand the subject material better (59%).

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Table 2: Students’ Perceptions of Mixed Method of Teaching

Mixed Method of teaching Mean Standard

deviation

Percent

agreed

Percent

disagreed

No

opinion

My teachers use mixed methods of teaching (lectures and

student activities) in most classes. 3.71 .915 62.7 27.7 9.7

I like classes where the teachers mix lectures with student

activities to apply concepts. 4.03 .815 76.3 20.7 3.0

Participative Learning

I believe that students should take an active part in learning

by discovering and discussing. 3.93 .786 75.0 21.3 3.7

I like learning situations where I can take an active part in

discussions and ask questions. 3.92 .826 74.7 20.3 5.0

Participating in class activities helps me to think about what

I am learning. 3.91 .748 74.0 23.0 3.0

I learn best when I have opportunities to interact with other

students and teachers in classes. 3.88 .866 71.3 22.3 6.3

I wish more classes were taught with emphasis on student

participation. 3.87 .793 70.0 25.7 4.3

Student participation in classes is the best way for students

to learn subject content. 3.85 .864 67.7 26.0 6.3

I really like classes where I can participate by putting

forward my point of view and ideas. 3.81 .867 66.7 28.0 5.3

I learn to think critically in classes where I can participate in

activities organized by the teachers. 3.74 .804 65.0 30.3 4.7

Working in groups

I learn much more in classes where I work together with

other students rather than listening to lectures. 3.65 .933 59.7 29.0 11.3

I learn best by doing the learning with others. 3.68 .868 63.3 28.7 8.0

I learn most by working on projects and cases in groups with

other students. 3.48 .941 50.7 36.3 13.0

Working in groups in class helps me to understand the

material better. 3.65 .915 59.0 32.3 8.7

Self-Learning

I prefer to do my own learning rather than listening to the

teacher telling me what to learn. 3.06 1.026 31.7 40.7 27.7

I learn best by finding information for myself. 3.54 .908 54.3 35.7 10.0

I like to read and find things out for myself outside the

classroom environment. 3.58 .909 55.0 34.7 10.3

I like it when the teacher asks students to find their own

information & present it in class. 3.47 .962 52.7 33.7 13.0

I like teaching methods that make me read and prepare

before coming to class. 3.41 .993 48.0 35.7 16.3

Student Presentations

I gain very little knowledge in classes where students do a

lot of talking and discussing. 3.44 1.053 44.7 39.3 16.0

I do not like classes where students do the teaching instead

of the teacher. 3.29 1.075 41.7 35.3 23.0

I don’t learn much in class when students do presentations 3.29 1.063 42.3 35.0 22.7

Teachers who make students do the teaching are not doing

their job properly. 3.15 1.136 38.3 33.3 28.3

Self learning

In terms of self-learning, 54 percent of students perceived that they learned best by finding

information for themselves, 55 percent liked to read and find things out for themselves outside the

classroom. The analysis also shows that almost 53 percent of students liked to find their own

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information to present to the class. Just under 50 percent (48) preferred methods of teaching that

required them to read and prepare before coming to class. Only about 32 percent of students preferred

to do their own learning rather than listening to the teacher telling them what to learn. (See Table 2 for

more details.)

Student Presentations

Student presentations as a way of learning was not very well perceived by students. Overall, students

did not perceive a lot of student presentations in class as a good way of learning for them. About 45

percent of students perceived that they gained little where students did most of the talking. They did

not like classes where students did the teaching instead of the teacher (41.7 percent). Forty-two

percent of students indicated that they did not learn much from student presentations in class. With the

perceptions of student presentations, a large number of respondents (22 to 28 percent) gave no

opinion.

T-Test and ANOVA Analysis

Table 3: T-test result comparing Males and Females in Perception of teaching methods in

Asia

An independent sample t-test showed that the difference between the Male group (n = 128, M = 3.49,

SD = 0.52) and the Female group (n = 172, M = 3.45, SD = .039) was not statistically significant,

t(300) = 1.74, p = .971, 95% CI [-.010, .16], d = 0.077. So the hypothesis H1 is rejected.

Table 4: ANOVA Results between Program of Study and Perception of Teaching Methods

N Mean Std. Deviation F Sig

Business 106 3.5540 0.33527 2.663 0.023

Education 44 3.4171 0.34822

Humanities 65 3.5939 0.34877

Nursing/Health 27 3.5201 0.32065

Religious Studies 38 3.7100 0.57943

Science 20 3.5333 0.30532

Total 300 3.5579 0.38167

A one way ANOVA shows the differences in Program of Study between the department group

"Business Department" (n = 106, M = 3.55, SD = 0.34), the "Education Department" (n = 44, M =

3.42, SD = 0.35), the "Humanities Department" (n = 65, M = 3.59, SD = 0.35), the

"Nursing/Health Department" (n = 27, M = 3.52, SD = 0.32), the "Religious Studies Department"

(n = 38, M = 3.71, SD = 0.58), and the "Science Department" (n = 20, M = 3.56, SD = 0.38) were

statistically significant, F = 2.663, p = 0.023. There is a significant relationship between students’

program of study and students' perception of teaching methods. Therefore, hypothesis H2 is

accepted.

Variable Male Female t p 95% CI Mean

Difference

(d) Perception

Average

M SD M SD

3.4947 .52390 3.4450 .38837 1.740 .083 [-.01012,

.16464]

.07726

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Table 5: ANOVA Results between Year of Study and Perception of Teaching Methods

N Mean Std. Deviation F Sig

First Year 73 3.5779 0.34122 0.251 0.860

Second Year 108 3.5584 0.44966

Third Year 61 3.5229 0.28136

Fourth Year 58 3.5686 0.39017

Total 300 3.5579 0.38167

A one way ANOVA indicates that the difference in Year of Study between the year group "first year"

(n = 73, M = 3.58. SD = 0.34), "second year" (n = 108, M = 3.56, SD = 0.45), "third year" (n = 61, M

= 3.52, SD = 0.28), and "fourth year" (n = 58, M = 3.57, SD = 0.39) are statistically insignificant, F =

0.251, p = 0.860. There is no significant relationship between year of study and students' perception of

teaching method. Thus, hypothesis H3 is rejected.

Conclusion, Limitations and Suggestions for Further Research

Overall, the findings suggest that Asian students have strong positive attitudes toward both lectures

and active methods of teaching and learning. In terms of the lecture method, the study found that most

students perceived that they learned a lot by listening to lectures and taking notes in classes and that

listening helped them to remember the content well, think critically and deeply. Students also

expressed that listening to the teacher helped them to understand complex subject material and

prepared them well for examinations and tests. Most students indicated that they preferred teaching

methods that helped them to remember important points given by the teacher. Students did not see

lectures and listening to lectures as being passive, disengaging, unchallenging, and teacher dependent.

Concerning the lecture method, overall, the results seem to suggest that teacher-centered learning is

still popular with many students for several reasons: teachers tell the students what to learn, teachers

are paid to teach and teachers are role models in delivering learning material. Almost half of the

respondents surveyed perceived that they had difficulties in learning without the teachers telling them

what to learn. It seems that many students are good at learning what to learn and not learning how to

learn.

The results of this study also indicate that students like the active methods of teaching and learning

where they can take part in class activities such as discussions, asking questions, working with other

students in groups, and putting forward their points of view and ideas. Students perceive that the

active methods help them to think about their learning, including developing their critical thinking.

They expressed their perceptions that they could learn more in classes where they could work together

with others on projects, cases, and class activities, and they wished that more classes were taught with

emphasis on students playing a more active part. They also perceived that opportunities to interact

with students and teachers in classes also increased their learning.

With self-learning, a little over half of the respondents were positive about reading and finding things

out for themselves. Concerning student presentations in teaching, students’ perceptions were not very

positive. They perceived student presentations produced little benefit for them when students did all

the talking and presenting instead of the teacher.

Overall, results show that students felt both teaching methods have advantages that could benefit

them. They saw that lectures mixed with student activities helped to increase the effectiveness of their

learning. This finding is supported by Casado (2000), whose study of students’ perceptions across six

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teaching methods, found the mixed method (lectures combined with discussions) the most preferred

method. This suggests that while delivering subject material in class, lecturers should also involve

students in activities such as group work on questions, class discussions, problem solving and case

studies.

From this study, researchers also found that gender and student status had no significant influence on

the perceptions of teaching methods. However, there were differences in students’ perceptions among

programs of study. These findings implied that lecturers should select appropriate teaching methods

for different programs of study so that they can enhance the comprehension and skills of students in

their areas.

The researchers recommend that further studies should expand sample size. This could be done by

involving students from other Asian countries for comparison purposes among different cultures. A

study on the impacts of each teaching method on Asian students’ learning process and performance

may be done to gain perspective about the effectiveness of these teaching methods.

There were some limitations in doing this research. Firstly, the sample, which included three hundred

students, was small, when compared with the total number of students in the region. This limitation

was due to budget constraints. Secondly, this study was conducted in Thailand, and although it

involved students from a number of Asian countries, it may not reflect perceptions of students outside

this region.

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