Alternative conceptions of students in Arabic language applications and the proper method of correcting them by using some active learning strategies: Adjective lesson as a model

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of some active learning strategies in adjusting students’ alternative perceptions about the concepts of the adjective lesson in the textbook of “My Language” taught in Saudi Middle Schools.To achieve this, a descriptive and quasi-experimental design approaches were employed. Beginning by identifying students’ alternative perceptions of the concepts of the adjective lesson, an evaluating test was applied for 120 students grade 9 in Jeddah.The result of the evaluating test has indicated that there were alternative perceptions of the concepts of the adjective lesson among students.Therefor, the researcher has designed a guide for using an active learning strategies for teachers to teach adjective lesson. To examine the effectiveness of active learning strategies in adjusting students’ alternative perceptions, a group of 30 students grade 9 in Jeddah were involved in the experimental. This group were taught the adjective lesson by traditional methods and also taught the lesson by using active learning strategies. The findings indicated that the students who were taught by active learning strategies are more likely to alter the alternative perceptions than those who were taught by traditional method.In light of the findings of the study, the researcher recommends that it is important to uncover the students’ alternative perceptions in the various Arabic language lessons, in order to help the students in adjusting the alternative perceptions by using active learning strategies , and improving teachers’ capabilities through pre-service and in-service training in applying several teaching strategies including the active learning strategies to improve the linguistic performance in the Arabic language.