Investigating EFL students’ preferences and beliefs about online vs. face-to-face learning at Birzeit University

Abstract

Online learning has been internationally implemented in educational institutions due to the corona virus pandemic. This study employed quantitative and qualitative analyses to investigate English language students’ preferences and beliefs about online vs face-to- face learning at Birzeit University. Radia’s (2019) questionnaire was adapted and administered to the participants who experienced both types of instruction in Unlock English courses, and open-ended questions were employed to get detailed qualitative data. Quantitative findings revealed that students manifested more positive beliefs about face-to-face (Mean, 3.84) than online learning (Mean, 2.71), which was the best mode for practicing and learning language skills and interacting with teachers and peers. However, qualitative results were innovative since students expressed more comfort through online speaking with others, and online setting was the best option for 56% of the students. This might be an indication for future preferences to online learning.