Preferred Learning Modality Of Pre-Service Language Teachers: Towards Post Pandemic Education

Abstract

Teaching and learning have been traditionally delivered through face-to-face setting. The advent of the global  crisis on health in early 2019 has forced many academic institutions around the world to explore alternative  means of learning modality. With the help of technology, online learning was made possible. Recent  developments in medicine have made it possible for vaccines to be developed that has, in turn, allowed schools  and other establishments to partly open their gates via hybrid learning modality. With all that has transpired in  the last 3 years, students were presented with 3 different modalities of learning. Learners were able to  experience and test each of these 3 modalities and have been familiar with both advantages and challenges each  type would possess. From that context, the researcher determined the preferred modality of English language  learners from a University in Pampanga and the reasons by which these students preferred that modality. Results  reveal that 49.6% of the 125 student participants prefer to study under the hybrid modality. As to the reasons  why these students prefer their chosen modality, 69.6% agree with the statement “I can get more knowledge  and a deeper understanding by observing and responding to teachers and other students.”. In view of this, it is  recommended that schools should reconsider what students have to say about the type of learning modality they  best learn from when crafting policies, especially on the possible modality necessary in the post pandemic  setting.