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

Abstract

The present research seeks to analyse the influence of large classes in the English language teaching-learning process in Ecuadorian high schools. The two methods used to conduct this research were quantitative and qualitative. This research was conducted in three phases, the elaboration of the literature review, the field research and the last was the description, analysis, and interpretation of the results. This research took place in a public high school in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Five courses from the institution were selected, considering students from senior high school. The number of participants was one hundred and eighty students. To obtain the collected data, some questionnaires were used as instruments, the ones that were divided in academic, social, and psychological issues. The paper argues, however, that the immediate solution may not be class size reduction. The findings of the study showed that teachers are able to manage academic issues, social issues, and psychological issues even though they have to work with large classes.