Students’ Perceptions and Expectations About their learning experiences: A Case of Three Public Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed-method study was to find out the thoughts and expectations of 5th, 8th and 11th grade public school students about the English lessons they have in their schools and to learn what they would like to see changed. The study was carried out in three public schools in Yerevan (one elementary school, one middle school and one high school). The quantitative data was collected through survey questionnaires, which was given to 160 public school students The qualitative data was collected through observations and interviews with 40 students and seven teachers. The results of the data analysis showed that the students have their own opinions of the lessons and different suggestions as to what needs to be done to make the lessons more engaging and interesting. All of the students, regardless of their grade level, had negative attitudes towards their English textbooks and expressed a desire to work on all four language skills, rather than concentrate only on grammar and reading skills. The interviews with the teachers revealed that they were also dissatisfied with their textbooks. Among other areas of improvement identified in the study, the need for integrating technology in the lessons was emphasized most strongly by the students.