Teachers and students´ perceptions of teaching English in small classes in Ecuador

Abstract

The study overviews the perceptions of teachers and students about teaching and learning English in small classes, as well as the benefits of dealing with reduced groups and the positive implications in English language learning. The study took place in a high school located in the northern part of Quito, where a total of 41 students of different age, sex and culture, from 8th to 13th grade and 4 teachers were surveyed and taken as a reference in the quantitative analysis. Key questions about aspects related to English language learning were included in the questionnaire and given to the students and teachers during their different classes as well as those questions related to the academic development of the students in small classes and the benefits of teaching to reduced groups. It is clear that having small classes can benefit students and teachers since the groups tend to be more manageable in terms of discipline, and they are also easier to motivate or engage, providing them with a better environment to study and work.