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

Abstract

The Ecuadorian educational system has gone through modifications in the last years and different methodologies have been applied in class. The purpose of this research is to analyze and understand the effects of large classes in Ecuadorian high schools and the influence it has in the learning- teaching process, aspects that at the end, result in affecting the students. In order to gather compelling information a questionnaire survey was given to students from 10th to 13th grade English classes in public high schools. The survey was completed by 208 EFL students, all which were from two different high schools in Guayaquil. After collecting the information, the answers were tabulated and classified for a complete description and for its respective analysis. This research has demonstrated that teachers in Ecuadorian high schools apply strategies that enhance the teaching-learning process. However, because of the high number of students in each class, these strategies fail since they do not convey the needs of the entire class, leaving most students unattended and presenting issues in the instructional, social, and psychological areas in the process.