English Teaching and Learning in the Post-Covid-19 Era: Students’ Preferences and Perceptions

Abstract

In the new era, several changes occurred in language teaching and learning. Some educators employ traditional classrooms, while others use online learning and blended learning. This study aimed to investigate students' preferences and perceptions about language teaching and learning. This study utilizes a qualitative design and involves 80 students from the English Education Department of the State Islamic University of North Sumatra. The students were given a closed-ended questionnaire to evaluate their preferences for the language teaching and learning process. The researcher then interviewed various students to learn about their thoughts on the language teaching and learning process. The students were selected based on their questionnaire responses. The percentages were used to analyze the questionnaire data, while thematic content analysis was used to analyze the interview data. The questionnaire results showed that 40% of students preferred face-to-face classrooms, 30% chose online learning, and 30% chose blended learning. In the interview, students stated that face-to-face, online, and blended learning positively impacted their language learning, though they also had negative perceptions of online learning. This study suggests that the teachers use in-person meetings because most students have positive perceptions of the implementation of face-to-face in EFL classrooms.