masterThesis
Using cooperative learning strategies to develop rural primary students’ english oral performance
Fecha
2020-09-17Autor
Nievecela Guamanrrigra, Lilian Catalina
Institución
Resumen
This small-scale quasi-experimental research study aimed to investigate the
effectiveness of cooperative learning (CL) strategies in the achievement of students’ oral
performance at the A1 Common European Framework of Reference for languages level.
The study participants were twenty-four seventh graders from a small rural primary school
located on the southern part of Cuenca city. The data of the study were gathered through
a mixed method approach. The quantitative part was based on a descriptive statistic
study. It was collected through the students’ speaking pre and post- test. The results were
processed and analyzed through SPSS version 25. In addition, to establish the similarity
between the scores with the minimum score (7) required to reach the A1 level, the
statistical T-Student test for one sample was considered. In addition, the qualitative part
was based on a phenomenological research study. It was gathered through direct
classroom observations and a focus group discussion. Findings indicated that: firstly, the
study participants reached their A1 oral performance level in the evaluation criteria of
comprehension, interaction, fluency, pronunciation. Secondly, students had positive
attitudes toward CL strategies. Thirdly, students through CL strategies were more
motivated and less reluctant during oral participation. In light of the findings, CL should
be adopted in primary English learning as it helps improve learners’ English speaking
skill