Exploring student voice for learner-driven learning
Gurnam Kaur Sidhu1, Lim, Peck Choo2, Chan, Yuen Fook3.
Current pedagogy has witnessed a paradigm shift towards a more learnercentred
approach where the individual learner is the focus of teaching
rather than the body of knowledge. As principles guiding learner-centred
learning become more defined, therein lays a critical call to take heed
of student voice for more effective delivery systems and teacher growth.
Therefore, this paper explored student voice regarding the implementation
of an English Language course offered to students under the Mengubah
Destini Anak Bangsa (MDAB) programme in UiTM, Malaysia. The study
involved 341 pre-diploma students from three UiTM branch campuses.
Data were collected using a questionnaire and nine focus group interviews.
Findings revealed that students held rather positive and favourable views
towards the implementation of the program with regards to lecturer
preparation, language use, lesson presentation, classroom management
and classroom atmosphere. Inferential statistics revealed that there was no
significant difference in the students’ perceptions with regards to gender
and discipline of study but a significant difference was seen with regards
to language proficiency and campus locality. Students also highlighted
concerns regarding student language proficiency, contact hours, the course
curriculum, assignments, teaching staff and learning within a homogenous
group. Students called for a more learner-driven curriculum that would
address their needs and build upon their knowledge and skills so that they could become more holistic and confident tertiary students. The findings
implied that student voice cannot be ignored as it has a role for effective
feedback and learner-driven learning.
Affiliation:
- Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
- Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
- Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
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