The Effects of Individual and Cooperative Work on Students’ Motivation with Close Reference to Grammar: The Case of Second Year EFL Students at Tlemcen University

Abstract

The present dissertation aims at studying the effects of individual and cooperative learning on second year students‘ motivation in learning grammar at the English department at Tlemcen University. Due to the inequality of motivation during grammar lectures, teachers are confused about the appropriate methods in teaching the module. In order to investigate this issue, the researchers hypothesised that most EFL grammar teachers do not make use of cooperative learning technique, and the students are more motivated to learn grammar while working cooperatively rather than working individually. To validate these hypotheses, 42 questionnaires were given to second year students to know their attitudes towards learning grammar in both individual and cooperative learning methods. On the other hand, 6 questionnaires were addressed to grammar teachers at the same department. Additionally, the investigators conducted classroom observation. The results which have been analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively revealed that the learners are more motivated when working cooperatively. However, the teachers neglect the use of this technique. Regarding the findings, the researchers offer some suggestions for both teachers and students to apply cooperative learning technique during teaching/learning process.