The Impact of Cooperative Learning in the Oral Production of 4th Grade Students

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This action research project was developed to understand the impact of the implementation of Cooperative Learning Techniques in the oral production of beginner learners. The project was focused on students of fourth grade in a public institution in Medellin. The data collection was done through the teacher-researcher journal, two interviews to the Cooperator Teacher, recordings of class activities, and a focus group. After analyzing the gathered data, the findings and interpretations process revealed that the implementation of the CL Techniques to impact students’ oral production was affected by external interferences such as reduction of teaching hours, missed classes, and discipline. Additionally, some issues connected to students’ knowledge of the target language became highly relevant, particularly knowledge linked with speaking skills, which conflicted with some theory about the benefits of the CL techniques.