The influence of cooperative learning activities on the development of English speaking skills in a private high school in the city of Loja

Abstract

Abstract:The title of this study is "The influence of cooperative learning activities in the development of English-speaking skills in a private secondary school in the city of Loja". The purpose of this research is to understand the influence cooperative learning activities have on the development of English speaking skills. The sample consisted of 73 students and 5 teachers, who correspond to the first and second baccalaureate of a private high school in Loja. The data was collected through the use of teachers’ survey, the students’ survey, students’ interview and observations. The mixed methods quantitative and qualitative were used to obtain the results. The findings of this research revealed that teachers were aware of the advantages that cooperative learning activities contribute to students, but only one of them implemented this type of activities in classes, the rest of them continued working with individual activities. In addition, through the teacher who implemented the activities, it was evident that students improved their speaking skills thanks to the cooperative work with their classmates.