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

Abstract

This study investigated the teachers’ and students’ perceptions of teaching English in small classes in Ecuador. To reach the aim of this research, a survey questionnaire was developed based on four research questions in order to obtain answers about whether small classes benefit the teaching and learning process of English from a variety of angles. The sample consisted of 75 students (ages 8 to 18) and 3 teachers in charge of five English classes, who attend a private co-educational school located in Quito-Ecuador. In order to collect data, a quantitative approach was used through 21 and 22 closed-ended questions for teachers and students respectively in a form of multiple choices. The questionnaire was administered to teachers and students. The results were examined according to the presence of frequency and its relation to each proposed question. This research concludes that, overall, small class size provides numerous benefits for the teaching of EFL in Ecuador despite the particular characteristics of students and the teaching style used by the teacher. But still, the authorities have to aim for well-trained educators, with access to current pedagogical strategies and technological resources.