The influence of large classes in the English language teaching-learning process in ecuadorian high schools

Abstract

This research is about the influence of large classes in the English language teaching-learning process in Ecuadorian high schools and its purpose is to determine the way large classes affect or not to the English language teaching-learning process. Five courses were chosen from a public high school with a minimum number of thirty five students or more on each one; learners were asked to fill out a questionnaire about three aspects concerned with the purpose of this research. The methods used were qualitative and quantitative. The main instruments used to collect data were a questionnaire and note taking which permitted to support the interpretation of results. Then the information from the questionnaires was tabulated and analyzed. The main instructional implication found was the lack of appropriate teaching methods, management of large classes, and teaching techniques from teachers. The social implication showed that students do not have opportunities to get distracted. With the psychological implications students felt stressed in large classes because of the inhibition to express themselves in front of their classmates.