Application of Active Learning Methods in Selected Private Higher Educational Institutes in Adama Town
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Date
2010-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Tile /IIt/jor purpose (!f this study was to investigate the applicatiun oI active learning in some
selected private higher educational institutes in Adama town. To achieve this pwpose, Rift
Valley University College and Un ity University were selected as study area. The study was
delimited to students who are aI/ending degree program 2"d year in the streams of accounting,
management, law, nursing and sociology and these all men/ioned variables were chosen through
purposive sampling techniques. The study allempted to focus mainly on teaching methods that
tile illstructurs use ji"equently, instructurs' awareness, training, the conduciveness of
instrllctionllllllilterillls, the classroolll condition to implelllellt aclil'e learning (111£1 other related
major ./(I(;tors. To this end, a descriptive survey method \lias elnployed. The tools used during
data collection were: observation check list, questionnaire and interview. To achieve the study,
178 respondents participated as a source of data. 150 students were chosen by using stratified
and simple random sample Fom those streams and available 24 instructors participated in
filling in questionnaire and supervisors and academic vice deans were interviewedfor the study.
The data was analysed using percentage and descriptive phrases. The results of the study
revealed that the magnitude of practicing active learning wasfound 10 be low. Almost all oIthe
instructors employ lectw'e method most Fequently which tend 10 leacher-Ied, the inslructors did
not take necessary training concerning teaching methods and active learning, which enable them
to be effective professional teachers and the awareness of the inslructors were low towards
active learning. Beside the above factors, the identified problems were lack of support, lack of
recently revised/up dated books I modules, and large class size. To sum up, the finding of the
study shows that a 101 has to be done to effective application of active learning approaches in
those private higher educational institutes. Therefore, it is recommended that inslructors should
he encouraged to become more knowledgeahle and skilful in implementing active learning
1I1'I,roIlC/r. "/Ilis C((II Ii" d(ll1(, tilrougil workS/lOll, seminar, inter sto/l di.I'C/.(ssi()1I and by offering
higiler diploma program in the ./orm of in - service training thaI facilitales sharing of idea to
improve IInderslanding on Ihe application of active learning methods.
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Keywords
Private Higher Educational Institutes