Perceptions of English Language Learning and Teaching Among Primary and Secondary School Teachers and Students Participating in English in Action Executive Summary a) Background The purpose of 2b3b study was to explore the perceptions of English language practices within schools participating in English in Action (EIA) from the point of view of both the teachers and the students. The first part of the study focused on Primary and Secondary teachers': (cid:79) perceptions of their practices in teaching English (cid:79) attitudes to the communicative language teaching (CLT) approaches being promoted through EIA (cid:79) perceptions of their students' responses to these approaches, and (cid:79) their opinions of the general usefulness of the EIA programme. The second part of the study explored Primary and Secondary students': (cid:79) current experience in English lessons in EIA intervention schools, and (cid:79) their perceptions and attitudes to English language and regarding its learning. Study 2b3b is a sister study to '2a' which objectively observes the extent of change in classroom practice of teachers participating in EIA (EIA, 2010a). b) Research methodology The fieldwork for this study was carried out by researchers from the Institute of Education and Research (IER) at the University of Dhaka between 5th July-5th August 2010, some 4-6 months after teachers attended a series of EIA launch workshops. The fieldwork took place in a sample of EIA schools across six divisions in Bangladesh. Teacher data were collected by questionnaire and semi-structured interview: 103 Primary teachers and 49 Secondary teachers participated in the study. Primary student data were collected by group interview, while Secondary student data were collected by group interview and by questionnaire. A total of 612 Primary students participated in the interviews; 1693 Secondary students completed the questionnaire and 288 took part in the interviews. c) Key findings - Teachers i) Primary teachers 98% of the Primary teachers reported that taking part in EIA is helping them to improve their own English(58% strongly agreed). 83% also felt that EIA has had an impact on their confidence to use more English, and 84% agreed that it has had an impact on the way they teach. Teachers seemed to be fairly confident about their competence in English, with 96% agreeing that they feel comfortable modelling English for students to repeat. This may seem surprising as many Primary teachers initially had very low skills in spoken English (illustrated by Study 3a). 83% of Primary teachers agreed that they use mostly English in the classroom;93% of teachers agreed that it is essential that English teachers speak in English in the classroom for their students to learn English. This finding is corroborated by direct observation through Study 2a (EIA, 2010a). English in Action Research Report i Primary teachers had mixed opinions about the use of Banglato support student learning: when asked whether Bangla should be used frequently in English classes for students' better understanding, 39% of the teachers disagreed, whilst 45% agreed. About a quarter of teachers felt that a significant number of students preferred it when their teachers spoke Bangla most of the time (23%), but a larger proportion of teachers (60%) felt that their students did not prefer it. Most Primary teachers (86%) agreed that the focus in their English classes is communication, but that they explain grammar when necessary. Only 26% of Primary teachers thought that grammar rules should be explicitly explained in class and only 33% agreed that students' English improves most quickly if they study and practice grammar. 91% of Primary teachers reported that they often design activities to have the students interact with each other in English.98% of teachers agreed that students like these activities. (This was confirmed by the Primary students in the group interviews). 98% of the Primary teachers reported using more pair and group work. When asked whether students play games or sing songs more often, 96% of the teachers agreed. 93% of teachers reported that changes in teaching have improved student motivation, with 55% strongly agreeing. 91% of Primary teachers reported that changes in teaching have had a positive impact on student learning. Primary teachers still perceived some more traditional notions as important to their practice, with 91% agreeing that drilling and repetition is common practice, while EIA approaches promote fluency and creativity in language use. 98% of Primary teachers felt that error correction was important, while EIA approaches suggest teachers `pay less attention to errors, as this can inhibit students’ experimenting with language. 91% of Primary teachers agreed that students like to interact in English with classmates. (This positive attitude is confirmed by data from the Primary students). ii) Secondary teachers 98% of the Secondary teachers agreed that taking part in EIA helps them to improve their own English (with 63% strongly agreeing). 82% also felt that it has had an impact on their confidence to use more English, and 86% agreed that it has had an impact on the way they teach. Teachers seemed to be fairly confident about their competence in English, with 86% agreeing that they feel comfortable modelling English for students to repeat. This may seem surprising as many teachers initially had low skills in spoken English (Study 3a1). 80% of Secondary teachers agreed that they use mostly English in the classroom; 90% of teachers agreed that it is essential that English teachers speak in English in the classroom for their students to learn English. This finding is corroborated by direct observation through Study 2a (EIA, 2010a). Secondary teachers had mixed opinions about the use of Bangla to support student learning: when asked whether Bangla should be used frequently in English class for students' better understanding, 55% of the teachers disagreed whilst 41% agreed. About a quarter of teachers felt that a significant number of students preferred it when their teachers spoke Bangla most of the time (37%), but a larger number of teachers (49%) felt that their students do not prefer it. ii English in Action Research Report A large proportion of Secondary teachers (92%) agreed that the focus in their English classes is on communication, but that they explain grammar when necessary.However, 53% of Secondary teachers thought that grammar rules should be explicitly explained in class and 39% agreed that students' English improves most quickly if they study and practice grammar. 90% of Secondary teachers reported that they often design activities to have the students interact with each other in English. 80% of teachers agreed that students like these activities. (This was confirmed by the Secondary students in the group interviews.) 94% of the Secondary teachers reported using more pair and group work.When asked whether students play games or sing songs more often, 71% of the teachers agreed. All Secondary teachers reported that changes in teaching have improved student motivation, with 41% strongly agreeing. 86% of Secondary teachers reported that changes in teaching have had a positive impact on student learning. Secondary teachers still perceived some more traditional notions as important to their practice, with 84% agreeing that drilling and repetition is common practice, while EIA approaches promote fluency and creativity in language use. 82% of Secondary teachers felt that error correction was important, while EIA approaches suggest teachers pay less attention to errors as this can inhibit students' experimenting with language use. 88% of Secondary teachers agreed that students like to interact in English with classmates. (This positive attitude is confirmed by data from the students.) iii) Comparison of teacher perceptions - Primary and Secondary (cid:79) Almost all teachers (98% Primary; 98% Secondary) reported that taking part in EIA is helping improve their own English. (cid:79) Most teachers (96% Primary; 86% Secondary) are confident in their competence to model English in the classroom. Study 3a1 shows that, in general, most teachers only have a very basic level of competence in spoken English language, with some Secondary teachers scoring a little higher. Despite this, Primary teachers seem more confident to model English in the classroom. (cid:79) Most teachers (83% Primary; 80% Secondary) reported mostly using English in the classroom. (cid:79) Most teachers (86% Primary; 92% Secondary) said the focus of their lessons is on communication, with grammar being explained as required. (cid:79) Most teachers (91% Primary; 90% Secondary) reported often designing activities to have students interact in English, though singing and playing games are more popular classroom activities for Primary teachers than for Secondary. (cid:79) All Secondary teachers and 93% of Primary teachers reported improved student motivation as a result in changes to classroom practice. (cid:79) Over half of Secondary teachers thought grammar rules should be explained explicitly, and over a third thought that students' English improves most quickly through grammar practice. Only a quarter of Primary teachers thought that grammar rules should be explained explicitly, and a third thoughtthat students' English improves most quickly through grammar practice. (cid:79) A minority of teachers, larger in Secondary (24%) than Primary (16%), said that students do not like speaking English in class (yet almost all Secondary students said they like to speak in English in the classroom). (cid:79) Most teachers (Primary 91%; Secondary 84%) still commonly practice traditional techniques, such as drilling and repetition. English in Action Research Report iii d) Key findings - Students i) Primary students Almost all Primary students reported that their English teachers used English most of the time in their lessons. Most students reported regularly participating in classroom activities that are promoted in the EIA materials. Strongly reported activities include: (cid:79) listening to songs and rhymes in English (cid:79) listening to EIA audio recordings on the iPod (cid:79) describing pictures or posters (cid:79) working in groups and pairs (cid:79) using flash cards (cid:79) playing games. Primary students reported that these kinds of activities, promoted by EIA, are the most enjoyable aspects of their English lessons, particularly identifying: (cid:79) listening to and singing English songs and rhymes (cid:79) pair and group work (cid:79) describing posters and pictures (cid:79) playing games (cid:79) listening to the audio (iPod) (cid:79) speaking English. Most Primary students liked everything in their English lessons. Almost all students said that they liked learning English for various reasons including: (cid:79) finding a better job (cid:79) communicating with foreigners (cid:79) English class is enjoyable (songs, games, playing) (cid:79) English is useful for higher studies (cid:79) English is an international language (cid:79) English is easy to learn and understand (cid:79) getting praised by their parents and others if they speak English. However, a small number mentioned some negative aspects of their English lessons: (cid:79) memorising answers to questions (cid:79) the use of Bangla by their teachers (cid:79) noise from their classmates (cid:79) listening to the audio when it is too fast, as they can't understand it (cid:79) the teacher being unable to find the right audio file to play in the lesson (cid:79) ill-treatment by teachers. ii) Secondary students Most Secondary student group interviews reported that their English teachers used English most of the time in their lessons, using Bangla only when they did not understand. But in the questionnaire data, the majority of the students (62%) responded that their teacher usually speaks Bangla in their English lessons. Also, 62% of Secondary students reported that they prefer their teacher speaking Bangla to iv English in Action Research Report speaking English. Almost all Secondary students said that they wanted to speak English in their English lessons. Secondary students also reported participating in classroom activities that are promoted in the EIA materials, including: (cid:79) listening to the audio (iPods and speakers) (cid:79) group and pair work (cid:79) role play (cid:79) interactive activities related to reading and writing.. Secondary students reported that these kinds of activities, promoted by EIA, are the most enjoyable aspects of their English lessons. Secondary students reported that some EIA teachers still carry out more traditional language learning activities in their English lessons, such as memorising grammar rules and translating a passage into Bangla. The questionnaire data also indicate that students also enjoy these traditional practices: an overwhelming majority of the students (92%) agreed that they liked learning grammar rules in English classes and a large majority (77%) believed that learning English means learning grammar rules. Almost all students said that their English teachers should correct all errors. Most Secondary students reported strong motivation to learn English. 88% of Secondary students felt that English language will help them find a good job and will support them with higher educational studies. Most students interviewed also recognised that they could more easily communicate with foreigners. A minority of students reported some negative aspects of practice, including ill-treatment such as corporal punishment or rebuking by their English teachers, which they found de-motivating. e) Recommendations The following recommendations are made on the basis of the findings of this study: (cid:79) Elements of traditional practices - such as error correction, grammar teaching (in Secondary) and repetition and drilling (in Primary) - are still practiced, liked by students and thought to aid their learning of English. This suggests not only that teachers need to change, but also that students should be engaged through discussion of these activities and their detrimental effect on learning English in a communicative approach. (cid:79) It still seems that the majority of the Secondary EIA teachers use Bangla and translation methods in their English lessons. Therefore, it is worth investigating why this is happening and find ways to support them. (cid:79) Grammar and memorising its rules came up as one of the main aspects of English language lesson in the Secondary teacher and student data. This may be mainly due to the importance given to it in the current examination system. EIA should encourage a change in the system by advising the government. (cid:79) The students reported that they enjoy interactive activities such as group and pair work, dialogue, and listening activities in their English lessons. It may be helpful to share this information with the EIA teachers either through EIA teacher cluster meetings or bulletins. Some English in Action Research Report v teachers may need further time and support to build confidence in managing these activities in their lessons. (cid:79) The student group interview data show that classroom language used by many teachers is English, and that students have found this helpful. More teachers need to be encouraged to use English in the classroom; again, this could be done through the teacher facilitators (TFs) or by the teachers supporting their peers. (cid:79) Though not related to English language teaching, corporal punishment still seems prevalent in English lessons. It may be worth discussing the impact of such punishments on learning at EIA teacher cluster meetings. (cid:79) The data suggest that the EIA teachers need to be encouraged to exploit a wider range of language games in their lessons to make learning more effective and fun. vi English in Action Research Report Table of Contents Executive summary i a) Background i b) Research methodology 8 c) Key findings - Teachers i i) Primary teachers i ii) Secondary teachers ii iii) Comparison of teacher perceptions - Primary and Secondary iii d) Key findings - Students iv i) Primary students iv ii) Secondary students iv e) Recommendations v 1. Introduction 01 2. Methodology 03 2.1 The instruments 03 2.1.1 Questionnaires 03 2.1.1.1 Teacher questionnaire 03 2.1.1.2 Student questionnaire 04 2.1.2 Interviews 05 2.1.2.1 Teacher interview 05 2.1.2.2 Student group interview 05 2.2 The sample 06 2.2.1 Teacher sample 06 2.2.2 Student sample 06 2.3 Training the researchers 06 2.4 Undertaking the research 07 2.4.1 Ethical issues 07 2.5 Data management 07 2.6 Data analysis 23 2.6.1 Questionnaires 07 2.6.2 Interviews 08 2.6.3 Validity and reliability 08 3. Findings - Primary and Secondary teachers 09 3.1 Primary teachers 09 3.1.1 Traditional approaches 09 3.1.1.1 Perceptions of traditional approaches 09 3.1.1.2 Attitudes to traditional English language learning 10 3.1.1.3 Beliefs about traditional English language learning 10 3.1.1.4 Summary 11 English in Action Research Report vii 3.1.2 Communicative language learning practices 11 3.1.2.1 CLT practices 11 3.1.2.2 Attitudes to CLT practices 13 3.1.2.3 Beliefs about CLT practices 14 3.1.2.4 Summary 15 3.1.3 Perceived effectiveness of EIA 15 3.1.3.1 Impact on English ability 16 3.1.3.2 Impact on teaching 18 3.1.3.3 Impact on motivation to teach and learn English 19 3.1.3.4 Impact on students' learning and motivation 20 3.1.4 Obstacles to implementing EIA practices 21 3.1.4.1 Technology 22 3.1.4.2 Time management 22 3.1.4.3 Large classes and problems with materials 23 3.1.4.4 Noise, disturbance and classroom management 23 3.1.4.5 Teaching writing and examinations 23 3.1.4.6 Level of students' English 24 3.1.4.7 Other 24 3.1.5 Community perceptions of EIA 25 3.1.5.1 The school community 25 3.1.5.2 Parents and guardians 26 3.1.6 Beliefs about English language learning 27 3.1.6.1 The role of English language learning in students' lives 27 3.1.6.2 What it means to be an English speaker 28 3.1.6.3 What it means to be an English teacher 30 3.2 Secondary teachers 32 3.2.1 Traditional approaches 32 3.2.1.1 Perceptions of traditional approaches 32 3.2.1.2 Attitudes to traditional English language learning 33 3.2.1.3 Beliefs about traditional English language learning 33 3.2.1.4 Summary 34 3.2.2 Communicative language learning practices 34 3.2.2.1 CLT practices 36 3.2.2.2 Attitudes to CLT practices 36 3.2.2.3 Beliefs about CLT practices 37 3.2.2.4 Summary 38 3.2.3 Perceived effectiveness of EIA 38 3.2.3.1 Impact on English ability 38 3.2.3.2 Impact on teaching 42 3.2.3.3 Impact on motivation to teach and learn English 44 3.2.3.4 Impact on students' learning and motivation 45 3.2.4 Obstacles to implementing EIA practices 46 3.2.4.1 Technology 46 viii English in Action Research Report