Descriptions of teaching and learning: A Malaysian perspective

SUMMARY The study explores the impact of two teaching methods—the lecture and individualised learning—in the context of higher education in Malaysia through an investigation in two teacher training institutions. Research was carried out in a natural setting, through interviews and questionnaires. Contrary to the accepted view that Malaysian students cannot learn independently, it was found that over half the students expressed a preference for individualised learning. The study suggests that students can be divided into those who are lecturer-orientate and those who are self-orientated in their learning, although many were capable of both, and that learning orientation is strongly influenced by the orientation of teaching. Thus teachers have the means to influence students towards more self-orientated learning.