Incorporating Interactive Teaching Approaches in the Tertiary Science Classroom; Benefits, Challenges and Deterrents to Use in a Jamaican University

Abstract

The extent to which lecturers utilise interactive teaching strategies in the tertiary science classrooms at a tertiary institution in Jamaica was investigated. Interactive strategies used, preferred strategy, frequency of use, perceived benefits to students, deterrents to use, and challenges faced with implementation were investigated. The sample comprised of 60 full-time science lecturers with a minimum undergraduate teaching load of 10 contact hours per week. The population comprised primarily of females (93.3%) with a mean age of 38.1 ± 3.67 years. The results show that teacher-led discussion (90%) and cooperative learning strategies (50%) were the most frequently used interactive teaching approaches employed by the lecturers while peer teaching was the least (8%). Further analysis of lecturers’ views of their teaching approach revealed that all lecturers facilitated in-class discussions, student-teacher interactions and questions from students at some point during their lectures. Preparation time (40%), increased workload (40%) and poor student participation (40%) were identified as the primary challenges faced while time restriction (90%) was the main deterrent to using interactive strategies by lecturers in the classroom. Despite this however, lecturers reported that interactive teaching strategies were explored and incorporated during their lectures in a bid to improve student comprehension, improve the learning environment, and build critical and lateral thinking skills. The results also suggest that curriculum scope and institutional policies did not impact negatively on the lecturers’ ability to incorporate interactive teaching strategies in their classroom.