Bridging Inequality: Cooperative Learning Through Literature in Two Vulnerable Schools in Santiago

Abstract

<jats:p>This paper reports a qualitative action-research study on the use of cooperative learning through literature in two vulnerable English as a foreign language (EFL) classrooms in Chile. The study aimed at bridging EFL inequality by exposing students to a different methodology using cooperative learning, and content-based instruction through literature, which are inexistent methods in vulnerable schools. Improving students’ performance and increasing their personal growth were also pursued. Data were gathered through lesson observations, language tests, and surveys. Results evidenced that students improved their cooperative learning skills and personal growth, yet their linguistic proficiency was not significantly enhanced. As a conclusion, promoting cooperative learning together with content-based instruction through literature resulted in a suitable combination to improve learners’ learning strategies and personal growth.</jats:p>

The Benefits of Cooperative Learning of Language in Different Subject Lessons as Seen by Primary School Pupils: The Case of One Lithuanian City School

“…Primary school pupils associate group work activities with learning new things, that is, the cognitive domain and the possibility of learning. In this respect, the study's findings are in line with other researchers' insights that cooperative learning improves academic achievement [34][35][36][37]. We can say that being ready to apply the principles of cooperative learning at school on the entire community basis when children learn new things while working in groups or while generalising experience in areas they have already learned [9,11,[34][35][36][37][38][39], we can make great achievements in primary classes.…”

“…ese facts show that when group work is organised properly and systematically, its benefits and meaning in the context of learning are already seen by first-grade pupils. In addition, children learn subjects that are important for communication, such as listening to others, explaining to others, making decisions with taking ideas or opinions of others into consideration, or abandoning the proposed solution in a well-argued way [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39]. ese skills will be particularly needed in various life situations.…”

“…(i) Teaches me patiently Researchers in some countries [34][35][36][37] have shown that cooperative learning helps create an environment conducive to higher achievement. It is important that students help each other in cooperative learning to motivate their learning.…”

A Synthesis of EFL Research in Chilean High Schools: Research Shortage or Research Opportunities?

“…A better understanding may lead to deeper comprehension of issues related to discourses that justify and sustain segregation, inequality, vulnerability, and learning attainment failure (De la Barra & Carbone, 2020;Glas, 2008;Gómez & Pérez, 2015;Kormos & Kiddle, 2013;Walczak et al, 2017). English enjoys high social value, which sustains English as a desired "tool" across all the socioeconomic groups in our society (Glas, 2008).…”