Learning Opportunities For Learners Research Articles

English language teachers’ perspectives on learner autonomy

This study explores the perceptions and practices of the English language teachers to create autonomous learning environment in the context of Nepalese secondary EFL classroom. The study further unpacks the role of the teachers in creating better learning opportunities for learners so as to promote learner autonomy. The research is based on interpretive paradigm to look into kaleidoscopic view of variety of perspectives, classroom practices and emerging dilemmas of the teachers. Based on the findings, the research showcases the deep rooted social practices and myths to bring tensions in the relation between teachers and students. The school environment has to be homely and autonomy supportive. It seems pertinent to think over the concept of learner autonomy globally and act locally adapting the global trends and issues of teaching and learning, and at the same time, there is a dire need to remain mindful of the translated concept of learner autonomy thinking contextually and pragmatically.

DETERMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND LEARNER SUCCESS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN ZIMBABWE

 This study was designed to examine the extent to which the availability of adequate infrastructure or lack of it affects the future success of learners. This was against the backdrop of the persistent calls by researchers and agencies for the engagement with issues around basic, youth and adult education in Southern Africa so as to find ways of dealing with the region’s escalating primary school drop-out rates and limited access to both technical and vocational education. The study adopted a purely qualitative approach to uncover the meanings that participants attach to their behaviour, how they interpret situations, and what their perspectives are on particular issues. This study was conducted in two primary schools in Zimbabwe among 52 participants, which included 20 learners and 32 educators. The study indicates that the level of infrastructure available in the schools varies and, in some cases, is inadequate. But more importantly, the study found that a well-equipped school is more functional and presents better learning opportunities for learners. The study recommended, among other things, that school planners, funders and policy makers should take note of the positive impact that a functional, clean and attractive school building can make on education. The size of the population is small; therefore generalisation should be done cautiously. This paper adds to the literature on the significance of quality infrastructure in facilitating learner education, especially in a burgeoning economy such as Zimbabwe.

Applying augmented reality for experiential learning: a case study of E-Commerce Learning

The great impacts of advancing technology, such as 3D virtual worlds, create new learning opportunities for learners. Educators and researchers have been exploring how to apply 3D virtual technology to improve the virtual learning process and authentic activities. Augmented reality (AR) technology offers the opportunity for learners to interact in both the virtual and real world significantly. Augmented reality can be an attractive technology that allows learners to realize that virtual and real objects coexist at the same time. Therefore, AR technology allows educators to design courses utilizing simulation, visualization, and interaction with the virtual objects and real environments. For Dewey (1916), learning should be real and applicable to daily living. This study builds an e-commerce learning system based upon Kolb’s experiential learning theory.