Teachers and students’ perceptions of teaching English in small classes.

Abstract

This research is based on teachers and students’ perceptions of teaching and learning English in small classes. The purpose of the present study is to know what their perceptions are about teaching and learning English in small classes; its benefits; what are the strategies and resources that benefit the teaching and learning of English in small classes; how students feel when learning English in small classes; and limitations when teaching English in small classes. This study was done in Viladecans-Barcelona (Spain). The sample consisted of 5 English classrooms with 13 – 14 students per class, boys and girls, aged 12-15 years-old and 5 English teachers, men and women, from a public high-school. The approach of this research is quantitative and qualitative. Data was collected on survey questionnaires filled by teachers and students, and observation sheets. Then it was organized, described, and analyzed. In short, in small classes, due to the number of students, the teacher can be attentive to the students’ necessities, correct their mistakes, check their activities, give feedback and support them in an individualized way.