The effect of class size in the development of EFL speaking skills among two different class sizes

Abstract

Abstract: This research aims to investigate the effect of class size in the development of EFL speaking skills among different class sizes. The study was carried out in two different classes from Miguel Riofrío public primary school in the city of Loja.The sample population meets both standards: one class contains 44 students which is regarded as a large class and the other with 15 students corresponding to a small class, additionally 6 primary school teacherswere included in the research. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyze the information obtained and answer the three main research questions. The instruments used for data collection were teachers and students surveysappliedat the end of theclassesobserved,a speaking checklist and an observation sheetwhich wereused during the six classes. The most relevant finding was that the students in small classes show a better development of speaking skills.