The Ability in English Grammar of First-Year Undergraduate Students Majoring in English Education Learning through Active Learning Approach at Phetchaburi Rajabhat University

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: 1) to compare students’ English grammar ability before and after learning through the active learning approach, and 2) to examine students’ opinions toward learning through the active learning approach. The research sample consisted of one classroom of 30 first-year undergraduate students majoring in English Education at Phetchaburi Rajabhat University, who enrolled in the Advanced English Grammar for English Teachers course in the second semester of the 2023 academic year, and were selected using simple random sampling by drawing lots. The research instruments included: 1) three lesson plans based on the active learning approach, 2) subjective pre-tests and post-tests to measure students’ English grammar ability, focusing on phrases, and 3) a questionnaire designed to examine students’ opinions toward learning through the active learning approach, consisting of a five-point rating scale and open-ended questions. The data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and content analysis. The hypothesis was tested using the paired-samples t-test. The research findings were as follows: 1) students’ English grammar ability after learning through the active learning approach showed a statistically significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores at the .01 level (t = -13.170, p = 0.000) with post-test scores significantly higher than pre-test scores, and 2) students’ overall opinions toward learning through the active learning approach were at a high level (average = 4.42, SD = 0.46). When considering each item, the highest-rated aspect was the usefulness of phrases. Other highly rated items included the benefits of post-lesson exercises, the types of exercises that enhanced knowledge, understanding, and sentence construction using phrases, and the design of tasks of post-lesson tests aimed at improving students’ ability to use phrases effectively.