From Theory to Practice: A Qualitative Study of Student-Centred Online Learning Experiences

Authors

  • Erum Khan Assistant Professor, Department of Education, Bahuddin Zakariya University Multan, Punjab (Pakistan).
  • Sadia Deep Assistant Professor, Department of Education, COMSATS University, Pakistan.
  • Samina Akhtar Assistant Professor, Department of Education, The Women University Multan, Punjab (Pakistan).

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10935950

Keywords:

Theory to Practice, Student-Centred, Online learning, Learning Experiences

Abstract

Purpose: The main objective of the study was to delve into the realm of student-centered online learning experiences to examine how fifth-semester BS English students perceived the Language, Culture, and Identity (ENG 402) course, which was being given for the first time at the COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CUI), Vehari Campus, Punjab, Pakistan.
Design/Methodology/Approach:The study adopted a qualitative research methodology, providing rich, in-depth insights into the lived experiences of students in online learning environments. For data collection purpose, in-depth interviews with a diverse group of students were utilized to gather rich and nuanced data. Thematic analysis was used to examine the gathered data.
Findings: The results highlighted that student’s reported feeling more engaged and motivated through the student-centered online learning (SCOL) technique over the other approaches.
Implications/Originality/Value: This study contributes to the understanding of online education by bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical applications. The study advances knowledge regarding the effectiveness and practicality of student-centered approaches in online learning environments through an examination of how theoretical concepts are applied in real-world learning environment.The research offers significant contributions to the understanding of how to achieve a harmonious equilibrium between teacher support and student autonomy in online education, which ultimately benefits both academic institutions and learners.

Author Biography

Samina Akhtar, Assistant Professor, Department of Education, The Women University Multan, Punjab (Pakistan).

Samina Akhtar works as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education, The Women University Multan, Punjab (Pakistan). She has interest in promoting innovative approaches to education and inclusive teaching practices. She holds an (ORCID identifier 000759591844) and can be reached directly at samabdullah33@hotmail.com.

References

Adriaensen, J., Bijsmans, P,& Groen, A.(2019). Monitoring generic skills development in a bachelor European studies. Journal of Contemporary European Research, 15(1): 110-127.

Afandi, MD., & Saputri, T.(2020). The Effectiveness of google classroom for online discussions. Journal Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris: Exposure, 9(2): 322-331.

Ansari, M, T., Rahman, S, A., Badgujar, V,. B, Sami, F,& Abdullah, MS., (2015). Problem based learning (PBL): A novel and effective tool of teaching and learning. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, 49(4): 258-265.

Ayres, L., Kavanaugh, K., Knafl, K., A.(2003). Within-case and across-case approaches to qualitative data analysis. Qualitative Health Research, 13(6): 871-83.

Baharom, S., & Palaniandy, B.(2013). Problem-based learning: A process for the acquisition of learning and generic skills. PBL Across Cultures, 47: 47-55.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77-101.

Buhl, M., & Andreasen, L.,B. (2018). Learning potentials and educational challenges of massive open online courses (MOOCs) in lifelong learning. Int Rev Educ, 64 : 151-160

Cruzes, D.,S, & Dyba, T.(2011). Recommended steps for thematic synthesis in software engineering. In 2011 International Symposium on Empirical Software Engineering and Measurement, 275-284. IEEE.

Dam?a, C., De, Lange, T.(2019). Student-centred learning environments in higher education. Uniped, 42(01): 9-26.

Graaf, E., & Kolmos, A. (2003). Characteristics of problem-based learning. International Journal of Engineering Education, 19(5), 657-662.

Deep, S., Ahmed, A., Suleman, N., Abbas MZ., Nazar, U., & Razzaq, HAS. (2020). The Problem-Based Learning Approach towards Developing Soft Skills: A Systematic Review. The Qualitative Report, 25(11): 4029-4054.

Deep, S., Salleh, BM., & Othman, H.(2017). Exploring the role of culture in communication conflicts: A qualitative study. The Qualitative Report, 22(4): 1186.

Deep, S., Salleh, BM., & Othman, H.(2019). Improving the soft skills of engineering undergraduates in Malaysia through problem-based approaches and e-learning applications. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning.

Deep, S., Salleh, BM., & Othman, H.(2019). Study on problem-based learning towards improving soft skills of students in effective communication class. International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 25(1), 17-34.

Fritson, KK .(2008). Impact of Journaling on Students' Self-Efficacy and Locus of Control. Insight: A journal of scholarly teaching, 3, 75-83.

Froyd, J., & Simpson, N. (2008). Student-centered learning addressing faculty questions about student centered learning. In Course, Curriculum, Labor, and Improvement Conference, Washington DC, 30(11): 1-11.

Hogan, JM., & Thomas, R. (2005). Developing the software engineering team. In Proceedings of the 7th Australasian conference on Computing education-Volume, 42, 203-210.

Jalinus, N., Syahril, S., Nabawi, RA., & Arbi, Y.(2020). How Project-Based Learning and Direct Teaching Models Affect Teamwork and Welding Skills Among Students. International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change, 11(11): 85-111.

Khan, I., Mehmood, A.,& Jumani, N.,B. (2020). Classroom Practices of Teacher Educators: Constructivist versus Traditional Approach. Journal of Research in Social Sciences, 8(1): 20-34.

Knafl, K.,A. (1991). Patton, MQ (1990) Qualitative evaluation and research methods . Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Manan, S.,A. & Haidar, MKDS. (2021). Soft Skills, Policies, Practices, and Self-Assessment: Employability Challenges and Opportunities of University Graduates in Pakistan. Journal of Educational Sciences, 8(1) : 117-140.

McMahon, C.,J, Tretter, J.,T, Faulkner, T., Kumar, R.,K., Redington, A.,N,& Windram, J.,D. (2021). Are e-learning Webinars the future of medical education? An exploratory study of a disruptive innovation in the COVID-19 era. Cardiology in the young, 31(5): 734-743.

Muianga, X.,J, Barbutiu, S.,M, Hansson, H., & Mutimucuio. (2019). Teachers' Perspectives on Professional Development in the Use of SCL Approaches and ICT: A Quantitative Case Study of Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique. International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology, 15(2) : 79-97.

Mykytyn, Jr., P, P, Mykytyn, K., & Raja, M., K. (1994). Knowledge acquisition skills and traits: a self-assessment of knowledge engineers. Information & Management, 26(2): 95-104.

Ngoo,Y.,T, Tiong, K.,M. & Pok, W., F. (2015). Bridging the gap of perceived skills between employers and accounting graduates in Malaysia. American Journal of Economics, 5(2), 98-104.

Paolini, A. (2015). Enhancing Teaching Effectiveness and Student Learning Outcomes. Journal of Effective Teaching. 15(1): 20-33.

Pratminingsih, S.,A.(2009). Problem Based Learning As An Approach To Increase Students’soft Skills: Case Study At Economics Faculty, Widyatama University, Bandung, Indonesia. The 9TH SEAAIR Annual Conference 13-15 October 2009, Pulau Pinang, MALAYSIA.

Rayens, W., & Ellis, A. (2018). Creating a student-centered learning environment online. Journal of Statistics Education, 26(2): 92-102.

Sabah, S, & Du, X. (2018). University faculty’s perceptions and practices of student centered learning in Qatar: Alignment or gap?. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education.

Salleh, B.,M, Othman, H., Esa, A., Sulaiman, A., & Othman, H.(2007) September. Adopting problem-based learning in the teaching of engineering undergraduates: A Malaysian experience. In International Conference on Engineering Education, Portugal: Coimbra, September , 3-7.

Selvadurai, S., Choy, E..,A, & Maros, M. (2012). Generic skills of prospective graduates from the employers’ perspectives. Asian Social Science, 8(12): 295-303.

Wang, T., Towey, D., Ng., RYK, & Gill, A., S. (2021). Towards Post-pandemic Transformative Teaching and Learning. SN Computer Science, 2(4): 1-7.

Wood, D.,F. (2003). Problem based learning. Bmj, 326(7384), 328-330.

Yeen-Ju, H.,T, Mai, N., & Selvaretnam, B. (2015). Enhancing problem-solving skills in an authentic blended learning environment: A Malaysian context. International journal of information and education technology, 5(11), 841.

Zhonglei, M.( 2004). A problem based learning course for fostering generic skills.

Downloads

Published

2024-03-30

How to Cite

Khan, E., Deep, S., & Akhtar, S. . (2024). From Theory to Practice: A Qualitative Study of Student-Centred Online Learning Experiences. Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, 44(1), 143-153. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10935950