TITLE:
An Assessment of Students’ Enthusiasm for Pre-Class Preparation
AUTHORS:
Md. Abdul Hai, James A. Geraets
KEYWORDS:
Pre-Class Preparation, Deep Learning, Experience, Motivation, Expectations
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.11 No.8,
August
9,
2023
ABSTRACT: In active learning scenarios, pre-class preparation is necessary but not
sufficient for students adopting a “deep learning” approach: obligatory
engagement with preparation materials does not preclude surface or strategic
learning approaches. Therefore, studying students’ diverse experiences of and
motivations for pre-class work helps identification of the factors influencing
or inhibiting their preparation, the way they tackle any obstacles they
encounter, consequent impacts of their preparation, and their expectations. Based
on semi-structured face-to-face interviews with students in higher education,
this study reflects on their experiences, motivations, challenges and
strategies, impacts, and expectations related to pre-class preparation. This
study concludes that students’ learning
expectations (such as demands for well-scheduled, well-structured,
clear, brief, specific instructions, and availability of study materials for
reading, listening or watching, etc.) should be reflected in the design and
execution of an active learning scenario where pre-class preparation is
obligatory.