Application of cooperative learning in EFL classes to enhance the students' language learning

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of cooperative learning on EFL learners' language learning, motivation toward learning English as a foreign language, and the high-and low-achievers' academic achievements in a heterogeneous language proficiency group. This study brings together the fields of cooperative learning, second language acquisition, as well as second/foreign language teaching to create optimal schooling experiences for students. The major findings of this study suggested that cooperative learning helped significantly to enhance the junior high school learners' oral communicative competence and their motivation toward learning English. Based upon the conclusions drawn from the study, cooperative learning was thus recommended to be integrated into the school English instruction as part of the Curriculum. As a result, the effects of cooperative learning seem salient in enhancing the EFL junior high school students' language learning. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.