Exploring Secondary School Students' Classroom Learning Experiences: A Qualitative Investigation

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the classroom learning experiences of secondary school students. Classroom learning experiences impact students’ enthusiasm, engagement and achievement. A qualitative, descriptive research design was used. All students enrolled in 10th grade of the public secondary schools affiliated with the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Lahore, were the population of the study. Eight groups (4 of boys & 4 of girls) were selected from four districts affiliated with BISE by convenient sampling technique. Each group comprised of eight participants. Semi-structured focus group interview protocol was used for collecting detailed data about students’ learning experiences in classroom. The results of thematic analysis reflected varied learning experiences. Overall, the results emphasized that the preference for active learning in classroom where multiple approaches are employed by teachers to enhance students' interest in learning. It is recommended that proper facilities and teacher training may be provided to improve students’ learning experiences and engagement in classroom.