An Investigation into Approaches to Learning Adopted by Undergraduate EFL Learners Kadija Fathi
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37375/sujh.v13i2.2412Keywords:
Perceptions, Approaches to Learning, English as a Foreign Language, EFL LearnersAbstract
The existence of differences and confusion in the approaches to learning English crucially pose challenges to investigate the approaches that may either enrich or hinder how English language learners go about learning. This study investigated the approaches to learning English adopted by EFL undergraduate students. In addition, it examined if there is a difference between the approaches to learning adopted by students in different departments at the Faculty of Education, Sirte University in Libya. Data were collected quantitatively from 70 students using the Biggs’ Study Process Questionnaire (SPQ) as a diagnostic instrument for assessing students’ perceived approaches to learning. The results indicated that most students adopted surface approaches. These approaches to learning gained the highest mean score (M= 4.55) whereas deep approaches were the low ( M =1.77). The results also explained differences among students' approaches to learning English in different departments. The key findings provide inputs to the academic institutions on the learning process and act as a reference for decision-making and improvement in the learning approaches of students. suggestions for teachers, educational policymakers and future research have been provided in detail in this study.
References
- Abosnan, S. H. (2016). The teaching of reading English in a foreign language in Libyan
- universities: Methods and models (Doctoral dissertation, University of Glasgow).
- Ahmed, S. (2015). Attitudes towards English Language Learning among EFL Learners at UMSKAL. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(18), 6-16.
- Al-Mahrooqi, R., Denman, C., Al-Siyabi, J., & Al-Maamari, F. (2015). Characteristics of a good EFL teacher: Omani EFL teacher and student perspectives. SAGE Open, 5(2), 1-15.
- Alqarni, N. (2023). Language learning strategies and learning engagement as predictors of language learning achievement: an investigation of Saudi EFL learners. Saudi Journal of Language Studies.
- Alshehri, E. (2014). Motivational strategies: The perceptions of EFL teachers and students in the Saudi higher education context (Doctoral dissertation, University of Salford).
- Arends, R. (2014). Learning to teach. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
- Biggs, J. B., & Collis, K. F. (1982). Evaluating the quality of learning: The SOLO taxonomy (Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome). Academic Press.
- Biggs, J. B. (1987). Student Approaches to Learning and Studying. Research Monograph. Australian Council for Educational Research Ltd., Radford House, Frederick St., Hawthorn 3122, Australia.
- Biggs, J. B. (1989). Approaches to the enhancement of tertiary teaching. Higher Education Research and Development, 8(1), 7-25.
- De Houwer, J., Barnes-Holmes, D. & Moors, A. (2013). What is learning? On the nature and merits of a functional definition of learning. Psychon Bull Rev 20, 631–642. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-013-0386-3
- Chin, C., & Brown, D. E. (2000). Learning in science: A comparison of deep and surface approaches. Journal of Research in Science Teaching: The Official Journal of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching, 37(2), 109-138.
- Chue, K. L., & Nie, Y. (2016). International students’ motivation and learning approach: A comparison with local students. Journal of International Students, 6(3), 678-699.
- Cohen, L. Manion, L., Morrison, K. (2007). Research methods in education (6th ed). Routledge Publication.
- Creswell, J.W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2011). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (2nd ed.). London and Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (3rd ed.). London and Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Duff, A., Boyle, E., & Dunleavy, K. (2002). The relationship between personality, approach to learning, emotional intelligence, work attitude and academic performance. In The 7th annual ELSIN conference (pp. 141-151).
- English Proficiency Index (2022). EF English Proficiency Index.. https://www.ef.com/ca/epi/
- Entwistle, N., & Tait, H. (1990). Approaches to learning, evaluations of teaching, and
- preferences for contrasting academic environments. Higher education, 19(2), 169-194.
- Fung, L. Y. (2010). A study on the learning approaches of Malaysian students in relation to English language acquisition. American Journal of Scientific Research, 9, 5-11.
- Goh, P. S. C. (2008). Teaching Practices That Hinder the Deep Approaches to Learning of Twinning Programme Students in Malaysia: A Qualitative Perspective. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 17(1), 63–73.
- Goh, P. S. C. (2016). Preservice teachers’ approaches to learning and their learning outcomes: A Malaysian Experience. In The Psychology of Asian Learners (pp. 203-216). Springer, Singapore.
- Hasnor, H. N., Ahmad, Z., & Nordin, N. (2013). The relationship between learning approaches and academic achievement among Intec students, Uitm Shah Alam. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 6(90), 178-186.
- Hattie, J. A. C., & Anderman, E. (2013). International guide to student achievement. New York, NY: Routledge.
- Kadija, F. (2019). Enhancing Students’ Engagement in Learning through YouTube based Instruction. International Journal of English and Studies, 1(4)1-6.
- Kadija, F. (2022). Difficulties Facing English Foreign Language University Students in Using English Prepositions. The Faculty of Arts Journal, (51).
- 3of Language Teaching and Learning, 3(2), 30-39.
- Marton, F., & Säljö, R. (1976). On qualitative differences in learning: I—Outcome and process. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 46(1), 4-11.
- Marton, F., & Booth, S. A. (1997). Learning and awareness. psychology press.
- Qureshi, S., & Ullah, R. (2014). Learning experiences of higher education students: Approaches to learning as measures of quality of learning outcomes. Bulletin of Education and Research, 36(1), 79-100.
- Sabourin, B. (2016). Identifying Student Approaches to Learning: Undergraduate Student Perceptions of Teaching and Learning at the University of Windsor. (Doctoral dissertation, University of Windsor, Canada).
- Swee-Choo, P. G. (2008). Teaching practices that hinder the deep approaches to learning of twinning programme winning programme students in Malaysia: A qualitative perspective. Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 17(1), 63-73.
- Teoh, H. C., Abdullah, M. C., Roslan, S., & Daud, S. M. (2014). Assessing students’ approaches to learning using a matrix framework in a Malaysian public university. Springer Plus, 3(1), 54-62.
- Teoh, H. Yap, T. (2015). Student approaches to learning among university students. American Journal of Applied Psychology. 4, (3-1)15-20.
- Van Waes, S., Vanthournout, G., Gijbels, D., Donche, V., & Van Petegem, P. (2010). Fostering students' learning with study guides: the relationship with students' perception and learning patterns. In Facilitating effective student learning through teacher research and innovation/Zuljan, MV (pp. 49-76). Retrieved from: http://www.pef.uni-lj.si
- Veloo, A., Krishnasamy, H. N., & Harun, H. M. (2015). What are the learning approaches applied by undergraduate students in English process writing based on gender? International Education Studies, 8(6), 46-55.
- Zeegers, P. (2002). A revision of the Biggs' study process questionnaire (R-SPQ). Higher Education Research & Development, 21(1), 73-92.