EFL Teachers' Perceptions of the Individualized Learning Model: A Case at an English Language Center

Abstract

“EFL Teachers’ Perceptions of the Individualized Learning (IL) Model: A Case at an English Language Center” was conducted to obtain two research aims: (1) to find out the teachers’ perceptions of the IL model; (2) to investigate the benefits and difficulties teachers face when they implement the IL model in their classrooms. The research utilized the questionnaire and semi-structured interview to collect data from 26 teachers from the English language center where the individualized learning model is implemented. The results show that the mean scores of all items related to teachers’ perceptions show that their perceptions of the IL were high (M=3.8423) on the five-point Likert scale (see Table 2). As a result, the teacher understood the IL rather well and revealed four main advantages related to the flexibility of the learning pace, the material and the learning schedule; the instant supports from the teachers; the increase in learners’ confidence; and the improvement of learners’ academic performance. However, the results of the interview also revealed two main disadvantages including timeconsuming and lack of interaction between learners and learners. In addition, the results also show that there was a positive correlation between teachers’ perceptions and the way they implemented the IL in their classroom. The contention is that decision should be made as to what degree of the individualization will be implemented.