Synchronous And Asynchronous Learning In Grammar
Classes: Tertiary Level EFL Students’ Attitude
Agung Ginanjar Anjaniputra
2
, Dwi Rukmini
2
{anjaniputragi@mail.unnes.ac.id
1,
wiwidwirukmini@mail.unnes.ac.id
2
}
English Department, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Semarang, Indonesia
1,2
Abstract. Implementing online learning becomes inevitable due to the
Government’s policyin responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. Educational
institutions all over the country in primary, secondary, and tertiary levels urge
teachers to teach from home. While online learning is mandatory during this
pandemic, its implementation in the fields is more varied and heterogenous
among practitioners. In addition to it, from the perspective of students, online
learning for more than half of a semester is new and results in challenges for
them. Besides, to learn grammar is still deemed difficult by most EFL
learners. Not only do students have to adapt to innovative ways of learning
grammar, but they are also required to learn a terrifying ordeal of taking the
subject. Hence, this study is intended to examine students’ attitude towards
synchronous and asynchronous learning of grammar. To collect the data of
their attitude, a survey design was administered to 7 classes by adapting Tang
& Chaw’s (2013) questionnaire. The results show that the students’ attitude
towards asynchronous and synchronous learning can be seen from six aspects
comprising learning flexibility, technology use, learning readiness, study
management, online interaction, and online practices. To conclude,
synchronous and asynchronous learning can be implemented with respect to
students’ inclination and the nature of courses being learnt.
Keywords: blended learning, EFL learning, synchronous, asynchronous,
grammar, tertiary level
1 Introduction
The covid-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in everyday life. People
are instructed by the government to stay at home. Implementing online learning has
become inevitable due to the Government of Indonesia’s policy on working from home
(Indonesia’s Ministry of Education and Culture, 2020). Educational institutions all over
the country in primary, secondary, and tertiary levels urge teachers to teach from home.
However, debates over what is best to be implemented are prevalent among
practitioners. Some propose synchronous learning because it allows teachers to directly
deliver the materials, whereas some others have a predilection for asynchronous
learning for it provides a wide range of activities. Hence, a study concerning students’
attitude is expected to address such an issue so as to understand students’ view on
ELTLT 2020, November 14-15, Semarang, Indonesia
Copyright © 2021 EAI
DOI 10.4108/eai.14-11-2020.2310658