Promoting Learners' Autonomy at Elementary Level Through Experiential Learning: A Quantitative Study
Promoting Learners' Autonomy at Elementary Level Through Experiential Learning: A Quantitative Study
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Abstract
This research aims to ascertain Learners’ Autonomy through Experiential Learning of elementary
students at class 8 level in a role play activity conducted at a private sector English Medium
School. Experiential Learning could be a learner-friendly apparatus that has not been enough
investigated at the basic level. Most writings and researches are recognized the significance of
“learning through doing”, “hands-on approaches” or “Experiential Learning”. Experiential
Learning has developed in notoriety with grown-up learners since Dewey and a number of
researches examining the potential benefits of utilizing Experiential Learning Strategies. It plays
vital role in educational institutions. In depth, analysis of the literature review was done.
Hypothesis was formulated, the strategy of the research was survey. The population of the study
was the students of elementary private schools of Karachi. Simple random sampling design was
adopted. The sample size is consisted of118 students as participants respectively. Two
questionnaires were adopted; Experiential Learning Scale (ELS) by Clem & Beasley and Learner
Autonomous Scale (LAS) by Fletcher & Averill for data collection. Data was analyzed by
applying inferential statistics with the correlation and linear regression through SPSS. It was found
that the value of “r” between the Experiential Learning and Learner Autonomous is .989, it
indicates high correlation exists between (EL) and (LA) variables. Overall relation of all the
categories of Experiential Learning and Learner Autonomous were found moderate at 0.05 level of
significance. The overall linear regression model suggests that there is only R2 =.331, P < .05
variation on Learner Autonomous because of Experiential Learning. Based on finding of this
research, practitioners and instructors can utilize Experiential Learning as a part of their own
teaching methodologies. It is also recommended that through this process, the concept of
Autonomous Learning be observed further; while a comparative study can also be initiated to
ascertain how the process affects students’ involvement in differing curricula.
Keywords: Collaboration, experiential learning, learner autonomy, learning environment.
*
Program Manager, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST), Karachi, Pakistan.
**
Assistant Professor, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST), Karachi,
Pakistan.
Email: [email protected]
***
Lecturer, Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Liyari, Karachi, Pakistan.
Email: [email protected]
Learners’ Autonomy through Experiential Learning 163
Introduction
Experiential Learning approach emphasizes the learners to acquire skills and
build knowledge is the direct result through experiences. The ability to select and
participate in experiences of the learners’ can be increased through Experiential Learning
(Atherton, 2009). Experiential Learning is related to the Leaner Autonomous that would
be existed without teacher involvement (Benson, 2013). Newsome et al., (2005)
conducted research on Experiential Learning approach elevates students’ cognition
levels, increases use of critical thinking skills, and enhances students’ ability to obtain,
retain and retrieve knowledge to increase achievement. Successful Experiential Learners
develop into Autonomous Learners with skills that enable them to undertake the
responsibility to work alone or in a group (Moon, 2004). It is seen that no matter what
activity is planned, reflection and application play a vital role in ensuring a deeper
understanding of abstract concepts.
Clark, Threeton, and Ewing (2010) stated that in order to acquire more in-depth
understanding, learning should not halt at the experience stage; if this occurs, then the
learner is deprived of the chance to absorb or retain valuable knowledge gained through
experience (Boggu & Sundarsingh, 2019).
passive (Dolotallas & Nagtalon, 2015).When seeking to encourage autonomy, the tasks
set before the learners must be based on their capabilities. Moreover, while they engage
with the task, they require the presence of freedom when they undergo the task. It thus
bears merit that the instructor must recognize their own role in the learning process. They
are a facilitator, who incorporates the autonomous learning process within the curriculum
and gives opportunities to attain it through tasks, strategies that must be undertaken
before the task is delineated and reflection post task (Al Asmari, 2013).The rationale
behind this research is to promote the concept of autonomy that is facilitated by the
facilitator to propel the students towards becoming self-learners in the optimal
environment suited to the task present. It should also be noted that the purpose of having
the activity built on role play is because this process allows the creation of a real world
situation involving Experiential Learning that fosters a sense of empathy and adaptability
in multitudinous ways (Gerber, 2015).
Literature Review
One of the factors that affects the learning process of the individuals involved is a
sense of autonomy. Autonomy encompasses the notion of having no outside influence,
where the responses and reactions are independent in terms of their development
(Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, 1984) thus encouraging a concept of self-
direction or being in control of one’s own learning process (Abdel & Razeq, 2014). The
ability to examine these effects of their cognitive functioning and lets in room for the
flourishing and presence of new patterns of behavior that they experience via interaction
with different people (Bandura, 1986).The Experiential Learning Process empowers
learners to become autonomous, possessing the requisite abilities to operate both in
groups and at an individual level (Moon, cited in Boggu & Sundarsingh, 2019).
Moreover, it is important that before any activity is earmarked for delineation, the
underlying conceptual frame work attached to it and these are clearly comprehended and
clarified through contemplation as is the mode of application of the activity (Clark,
Threeton, & Ewing, 2010). In addition, in order to enhance the learning process, due care
needs to be taken that it is not dissatisfied at the experience stage, as this limitation will
impact the overall assimilation through Experiential Learning of the wealth of knowledge
available to the learners (Boggu & Sundarsingh, 2019).
Learners’ Autonomy through Experiential Learning 165
Additionally, it is important that the students feel comfortable with their learning
environment if the environment is comfortable, then their learning will be of greater
value and will display better quality because there will be a sense of enjoyment attached
thereby allowing them to do apply more efforts and deliver more results (Moos, 1991). In
fact, if the environment is less than ideal, then the students display a lack in connectivity
with their peers and their performance and input displays a diminished sense of worth.
The presence of optimal classroom environments is thus one of the key determinants of
learning (Walberg, 1984). Classroom environments that follow a traditional method of
teaching promote a one-way process, where the students tend to be passive listeners and
are not encouraged to take the onus of the learning process in their own hands
(Najmonnissa & Haroon, 2014).In this instance the students themselves displayed
Autonomy by chosen to exit from the traditional indoor classroom environment and
moving outdoors. This would not have been possible if the students were not confident
about their choice and had not gained enough merit in their own abilities to be in a
different environment. This ability to adapt thus shows that individuals should be able to
adapt in differing environments and changing circumstances as a part of the Experiential
Learning Process (Ounis, 2016).
Learning from the teacher's dependence. Nunan (1992) identified nine steps in the
educational process to make the Learner Autonomous. As is evident from the above
steps, if the learner sets his or her own goals, they are more likely to follow them because
they are self-created, through thinking in the shoes of teachers and researchers, they are
conscious of their own preferred learning method and try to create their own. Sharing
similar views (Dickinson, 1995) points out that participation of learners in decision-
making ensures effective learning. Pedagogically, the majority of Learner Autonomy
researchers support the view that it is more meaningful and relevant when learners are
psychologically attached to the learning process.
Van (2011) conducted his study of Autonomous Learners, and the results showed
that students were ignorant of the idea of autonomy and pleased with their current
learning environment. Maia (2014) wanted to look at the ability of the learner to be
autonomous. The study specifically assessed the readiness of learners to carry out
autonomous activities in English on factors such as duties, skills and their readiness to do
so. A similar study was conducted at a university in Hong Kong with 320 students and 24
teachers (Üstünlüoğlu, 2009). The study's purpose was similar to that of (Maia, 2014).
The research also investigated the effect of variables such as degree of motivation and
sex on perceptions of autonomy. Many studies conducted to propose that students ought
to be considered to accomplices and given an opportunity to decide the time, put and pace
of the course (Little, 1995; Dam, 1995; Nunan, 1997; Benson, 2001).
play activity was chosen to encompass various individuals from a variety of backgrounds.
One of the reasons for choosing a role play activity is that it encourages the concept of
mutual learning based on experiences that are common in their essence and opens the
opportunity for the students to contribute in an equivalent manner to the task at hand
(Boud, Cohen & Sampson, 2014).At this point it should be noted that one of the
compounding factors that affect performance in students is a sense of anxiety in a public
setting. Individuals who face s sense of anxiety may avoid situations that place them in
such environments (Raja, 2017).
Figure 2 shows the conceptual framework of this study whichis included the
independent variable and dependent variable with their categories; including Experiential
Learning (Authenticity, Active Learning, Relevance and Utility) and Learner
Autonomous (Inventiveness, Assurance, Re-assurance and Collaboration).
Methodology
The study involved 118 participants (students) selected through convenience
sampling enrolled in a private sector English Medium school in class 8, divided into 8
sections comprising of approximately 15 students per class who were engaged in a role
play activity as a part of their syllabus. Statistical techniques such as correlation and
regression were used to analyses data. The students responded to a (ELS) questionnaire
and (LAS) questionnaire after they had performed the activity during class timings. This
accounted for the data collection process to be time barred. In addition, since the activity
involved both boys and girls, the activity accounted for impartiality in the questionnaire
process by being a gender blind study. The students were also asked to sign consent
forms in order to release the data assimilated for research. It should be noted that the
students underwent a precursory role play activity in order to familiarize them with the
process. They then followed this first attempt with a second one and the data was
collected from this final activity. Since this process was centered on the concept of
autonomy as a part of the process involving learning therefore, the students were given
complete autonomy in the formation of their groups and construction of the dialogues as
Zaidi, Khan & Oad 170
well. In order to track the students’ responses, Experiential Learning Scale (ELS)
questionnaire was adopted for collection of data that is developed by Clem and Beasley
(2014). It is also consist on four dimension. Learner Autonomous Scale (LAS)
Questionnaire developed by Fletcher and Averill (1984) was used to collect the data for
the construct Learner Autonomous. Both consists of four dimensions. Each dimension on
a 5-point Likert Scale.
Data Analysis
Cronbach’s Alpha internal consistency reliability test was undertaken for the
pilot test. According to Nunnally (1978), the minimal reliability coefficient required to
claim a measure construct as consistently reliable is 0.97.
Table 1 shows the correlation of four areas of Experiential Learning with Learner
Autonomous and all its functions at 0.05 level of significance. The value of “r” between
the Experiential Learning and Learner Autonomous is .989, indicating high correlation
exist between these two variables. Furthermore, Active learning and Utility show
significant moderate relation with total (LA) while Relevance shows significant weak
relation with total (LA). Overall relation of all the categories of Experiential Learning
and Learner Autonomous were found moderate at 0.05 level of significance.
Table 2 shows the results of the linear regression analysis for the Experiential
Learning (EL) with Learner Autonomous (LA) score. The overall linear regression model
suggests that there is only (R2 =.331, P < .05) variation on Learner Autonomous because
of Experiential Learning. In other words the results indicated that Experiential Leaning as
perceived by students about 33% of total variance in the Leaner Autonomous. The overall
linear regression model suggests that there is only (R2 =.331, P < .05) variation on
Learner Autonomous because of Experiential Learning.
Learners’ Autonomy through Experiential Learning 171
Table 2
Linear Regression analysis of Experiential Learning (EL) and Learner Autonomous (LA)
Unstandardized Standardized
Coefficient Coefficient
Model R R2 B Std. Beta T sig
Error
(Constant) .530a .331 2.355 .215 10.974 .000
Experiential .430 .055 .530 7.858 .000
Learning
a. Dependent Variable: Learner Autonomous
*p < .05
Discussion
This research study apportioned with the findings the Learners` Autonomy
through Experiential Learning are positive correlated with each other, the elementary
students of class 8 level were engaged in a role play activity as a part of their syllabus
conducted at a private sector English Medium School. Statistical techniques such as
correlation and regression were used to analyses data. The students responded to a (ELS)
and (LAS) questionnaire after they had performed the activity during class timings.
Cronbach alpha value for the both scales was (0.97). It was found that the value of “r”
between the Experiential Learning and Learner Autonomous is .989, indicating high
correlation exist between these two variables. Overall relation of all the categories of
Experiential Learning and Learner Autonomous were found moderate at 0.05 level of
significance. The overall linear regression model suggests that there is only (R2 =.331,
P < .05) variation on Learner Autonomous because of Experiential Learning. Based on
finding of this research, practitioners and instructors can utilize Experiential Learning as
a part of their own teaching methodologies. It is also recommended that though this
process the concept of Autonomous Learning showed be observed further; as Cotterall,
(2000) believes that the ‘potential for Learner Autonomy increases as an individual’s
learning awareness and grows capability of decision making. Consequently, tasks or
activities should be designed to stimulate reflection on the learning process (Boggu &
Sundarsingh, 2019). While a comparative study can also be initiated to ascertain how the
process affects students engaged in differing curricula. The success of the learning
process is inimically dependent on the presence of workable conditions that allow
confidence for the participants in order to deliver success. The facilitator has to develop
means that adopt practices in their teaching that look beyond the norm and compel the
students to operate keeping innovative thinking patterns in mind (Clements & Cord,
2013). We thus see that the role play activity encouraged the students to adopt a practice
that many may not have been used to before as many students may have been unfamiliar
with the activity in the first instance due to lack of participation and presence of such an
Zaidi, Khan & Oad 172
activity in their earlier classes or in other schools where they might have studied.
Moreover, participation in activities that encourage emotional and social development
amplifies a sense of well- being (Barry, Clarke et al., 2018). Furthermore, the students
should be engaged by Authenticity, an Active Learning and Collaboration of individuals
seeking similar goals, the presence of self –esteem and confidence comes as a
consequence of such a sense of belonging (Van, 2011). This engagement would require
close coordination which would be present when the groups had to create synergy in
order to construct their dialogues and displayed greater confidence as a means of this
synergy in the decision making process to choose their environment for their role play
performances. Indeed, in recent Exploratory Practice manifestations (Allwright & Hanks,
2009), the learner is conceived as just as much as the teacher as a researcher or explorer
of classroom life. Pinter, Mathew and Smith (2016) have also shown that elementary
students can be adequately and successfully engaged in activities through which they
themselves act as co-researchers in the context of teaching. Indeed, in recent Exploratory
Practice manifestation (Allwright & Hanks, 2009), the learner is conceived just as much
as the teacher as a researcher or classroom life explorer. Pinter, Mathew and Smith
(2016) have also shown that children can be effectively and efficiently engaged in
activities through which they themselves serve as co-researchers in the sense of teaching.
The overall cooperative based learning process and the optimal learning environment had
to be produced by the instructor involved. This process thus required trust in relationship
between teacher, students and Assurance was created between them (Gerber, 2015).
Conclusion
Based on the result of analysis and discussion, it can be concluded that the use of
Experiential Learning-Based Teaching enhance the Learner Autonomous and it is proven
effective in improving the Cognitive Ability, Collaboration, Authenticity and Assurance of
the students. This study indicated that Experiential Learning (EL) creates a safe, flexible
and engaging classroom environment through social interaction, sharing of experiences and
reflection. At the outset, students held the teacher responsible for learning within the
classroom however after experiencing the intervention tasks there was a change in students’
perception. They became more focused and accepted ownership of their learning. This shift
from dependency to independency is vital to any work environment where the person has to
take the initiative to solve problems rather than depending on the boss or the person in
authority. The active involvement of students in the (EL) activities depicts their enthusiasm
and motivation towards being a part of the Experimental Learning Cycle (Boggu &
Sundarsingh, 2019). Effort must be exerted in the use of Experiential Learning to have
better achievement of students. Furthermore, there is a need for training other teachers to
become better facilitators in order to use Experiential Learning as an approach in teaching
process and Learner Autonomous (Dolotallas & Nagtalon, 2015).
Learners’ Autonomy through Experiential Learning 173
Limitations
There are several limitations attached to the research conducted. It should be
noted that many of the students may not be comfortable with the activity but may
perform it as a form of peer compulsion. In addition, there might be peer pressure to be
active in the performance and it is therefore difficult to gauge whether there was indeed
authenticity in their responses. For this purpose, more research is required with another
set of subjects in the subsequent year in order to ascertain whether the responses are
indeed genuine.
Recommendations
1. Further research is required to measure other factors that bear an impact on
Autonomous Learning such as socio economic status of students and facilitators`
classroom management skills.
2. A comparison based study can be designed to validate results between two
different systems of education.
3. Expansion of the research sample will allow room to discover the efficacy of this
form of teaching practice.
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