Cooperative learning environments and the use of technological tools in secondary Education to Foster active participation in English classes.

Abstract

Abstract:The present research aims to encourage teachers to incorporate cooperative learning activities and the use of technological tools in their classes to foster students participation. This research was carried out in a private high school from the city of Loja, the main participants of this study were 3 teachers and 89 students who belong to first, second and third year of baccalaureate. The students age ranged between sixteen and seventeen years old. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to analyze information about the role of cooperative learning and technology inside English classrooms. Additionally, the main instruments for collecting information were students questionnaire that includes information about classroom management, observation sheet that focuses on lesson organization, teacher-student interactions, cooperative learning activities, lesson implementation, and instructional materials, and teachers questionnaire that includes information about the role of technology and cooperative learning inside the classrooms. The findings from this study concluded that in spite of the isolated use of technology in classes, cooperative learning needs to be linked to obtain better results in their academic growth.