Investigating Humanistic Teaching Methods and Interaction in EFL Classrooms at Yahia Fares University of Medea

Abstract

Teaching and learning is a systematic process in which instructors and learners collaboratively strive to achieve the intended outcomes by creating a non-threatening environment. They rely on teacher-student interactions to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge, attitudes, and skills, while also considering the principles of both cognitive and affective development, including learners’ feelings and interests. This study seeks to uncover the humanistic teaching methods (reflective, dialogical, democratic, and autonomous) and interactions in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms at Yahia Fares University of Medea. For this reason, this study attempts to shed light on the humanistic teaching methods and classroom interactions from the perspective of EFL teachers and students. In this regard, participants for this study involved a sample of73 undergraduate students and 13 EFL teachers in the Department of Foreign Languages (English section) at Yahia Fares University of Medea during the academic year 2023-2024. A descriptive research design was adopted for this study. To obtain participants' responses, two questionnaires were utilized, one submitted online to students and the other distributed in a printed version to teachers. The collected data was then quantitatively analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2007. The findings of this study reveal that the humanistic approach principles are present in EFL classes, with the reflective learning method emerging as the predominant method. EFL Teacher use multiple modes of practice and activities that have a positive impact on students’ reflection, thereby achieving the essential humanistic principle of interaction. Nevertheless, teachers also claim that they encounter various challenges that hinder successful implementation of the humanistic approach.