The use of cooperative learning to enhance EFL students’ speaking skills

Abstract

This research synthesis explored the impact of Cooperative learning (CL) on EFL students’ speaking skills. The study was conducted through a systematic review of the literature in the field. Twenty empirical studies related to the use of CL in the learning of English as a foreign or second language were selected and analyzed. The research papers were divided into five (5) categories: the year of publication of the studies, speaking micro skills, cooperative learning techniques, communicative competence, cooperative learning to enhance students’ attitudes towards learning English, and teamwork as motivation to promote oral interaction. The findings evidenced that the studies which applied CL had positive effects on English learning, specifically on the development of the speaking skill. Students had more opportunities to speak up, receive each other’s feedback, and become more conscious of their mistakes. Additionally, the analysis of the studies showed that when students were involved in the CLactivities, they were able to communicate their ideas clearly, and they became aware of howthey improved their pronunciation as well as their fluency and accuracy.