Students towards One-to-Five Peer Learning: A New Approach for Enhancing Education Quality in Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia

Abstract

Peer learning plays an important role in changing teaching learning environment for betterment of learners and their academic achievements. Due to the limitations of conventional approaches such as lecturing, which give too much chance for teacher to talk, peer learning is among the most well researched of all teaching strategies for maximizing their own learning and the academic accomplishments for their classmates. The objective of this study was to examine the attitude students and investigate the determinants that influence students’ attitude toward peer learning. To conduct the study, descriptive survey design was employed. Qualitative approach using observation checklists and interviews for data gathering were employed for non-respondent samples. Upon stratifying all faculties into three categories of educational streams, a total of 81 second year students were randomly selected after applying Probability Proportionate to Sample Size (PPS). Quantitative data were analyzed using percentage, frequency and inferential statistics like Chi-square (χ²) test to compare the degree of determinants influencing the attitude of students. the results revealed that there was significant relationship between some of the variables under the determinant factor and one-to-five peer learning and  almost  all  of  the  participants  of  the  study have  perceived  one-to-five peer learning  positively though the response varies  between  students. Finally, recommendations were forwarded based on the major findings so as to minimize problems encountered and maximize the implementation of one-to-five peer learning throughout the departments.

Key words: Peer learning, Quality education, Active learning, one-to-five peer group