The Impact of Active Learning as a Teaching Strategy from the Perspective of Overseas Filipino Teachers Across the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

This study examined the perceived impact of active learning as a teaching strategy among 20 overseas Filipino teachers working in schools across the United Arab Emirates. Guided by the five Whole Child tenets and an Input-Process-Output framework, the study explored teachers’ experiences with active learning, their views on its classroom application, and its perceived contribution to student learning. A quantitative research design was employed using an adapted questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. Responses were analyzed through frequency counts and mean scores to describe participants’ perceptions and reported practices. Findings indicated that most respondents regularly incorporated active learning strategies into their teaching and expressed favorable attitudes toward their implementation. Teachers perceived these approaches as encouraging student participation, strengthening the integration of learning, promoting classroom engagement, and supporting improvements in instructional practice. However, respondents also identified practical challenges that constrained implementation, including limited training and experience with active learning methodologies, inadequate funding for instructional materials, and classroom seating arrangements that were not conducive to interactive activities. The findings underscore the importance of institutional support in helping teachers translate favorable perceptions into effective classroom practices. The study recommends targeted professional development to strengthen teachers’ competence in active learning, revisions to departmental plans to facilitate the integration of these strategies, and improved consideration of classroom resources and learning environments. Further investigation from students’ perspectives is recommended to provide additional insight into how active learning is experienced and how it may contribute to learning outcomes in international school settings across the United Arab Emirates.