The use of cooperative learning as a strategy to improve EFL students´ speaking skills

Abstract

The present research “The Use of Cooperative Learning as a Strategy to Improve EFL Students’ Speaking Skills”, was developed to determine the impact of the application of three Cooperative Learning strategies to improve students’ speaking skills in three components: pronunciation, fluency, and accuracy. The mixed method was used to analyze the information qualitatively and quantitatively. It was carried out at a public university in Riobamba city. Participants were students of level four. The research instruments included a pre-test and a post-test, which provided quantitative data. Additionally, a survey was given to students at the end of the implementation to get their perception about the strategies applied during an eight-week treatment, which provided qualitative data. As a general conclusion, the results of the investigation demonstrate that the application of Cooperative Learning strategies improve students’ oral performance and show their positive perceptions of the strategies. They also consider that these strategies facilitated the generation of ideas in group work and optimizing time.