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

Abstract

Abstract: The study "The influence of large classes in the English language teaching-learning process in Ecuadorian high schools" is focused to establish the factors that affect the teaching-learning process in classrooms with a high number of students in secondary schools in Ecuador. The sample was taken at 4 schools in the city of Quito, being selected 183 students belonging to 5 English classes: Eighth, ninth, tenth of general basic education as well as students coursing first and second years of high school. The learners' age ranged between 12-17 years old. The quantitative and qualitative methods were applied in order to describe and analyze the data collected; for what aspects such as instructional, psychological and social were considered. The study concludes that large classes do not significantly affect the process of teaching and learning English in high schools, since the results show that teachers are able to apply appropriate pedagogical methods and suitable strategies to make that students get involved in interesting activities which take them to acquire the four skills of the target language.