Using Cooperative Learning to Bridge the Achievement Gap in Oral Expression: The Case of 2nd Year EFL Students at Khenchela University

Abstract

The present study represents an endeavor to highlight the effectiveness of cooperative learning in closing the achievement gap between the high- and the low-achievers in oral expression and its positive impact on the Algerian EFL learners’ motivation and attitudes. The study involved a sample of 44 second year English students at the University of Abbes Laghrour Khenchela, Algeria. This research adopted a true experimental design and employed a set of data collection methods (a pretest, a posttest, a questionnaire, and structured interviews). Findings revealed that cooperative learning is an efficient instrument to bridge the achievement gap between the high- and the low-achieving students and to motivate the latter and alter their negative attitudes toward oral expression activities into positive ones. Based on the findings, the researchers provided some recommendations concerning the implementation of cooperative learning in the EFL classroom.