he influence of large classes in the English language teaching-learning process in Italian high-schools

Abstract

This research was focused on the influence of large classes in the English language teaching-learning process in Italian high-schools, with the purpose of determining whether or not large classes affect the English language teachinglearning process. This study was carried out in Italy in the city of Voghera, province of Pavia. The participants were 134 students of four public and one private high-schools, whose ages ranged between 14 to 19 years old. The study was developed in five grades from 3rd year of basic education to 5th year of senior high-school. The data was gathered through surveys which were applied to students at the end of their regular class schedule. The questionnaire was administered in Italian language, which contained 21 specific questions regarding instructional, social, and psychological aspects. This study demonstrates that studying English in large classes is ineffective because there is a lack of time to practice the four skills of the language, teachers are not able to monitor the participation of many students at a time, which does not encourage students to improve their English language skills.