Interaction in Escuela Oficial de Idiomas : what factors affect class participation?

Abstract

Interaction between students and teachers in Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas depends on a number of factors, which range from class dynamics to personality characteristics of each individual. This study focuses on exploring how three of these factors (age, class environment, and self-confidence) affect participation in students. In order to clarify this, we used a questionnaire for students in the Escuela Oficial de Idiomas in Castellón and the Escuela Oficial de Idiomas in Alzira to fill out in which they would reflect on their own personal attitudes and opinions for high or low participation in English B2 and C1 classes. The results in this thesis show that students do not think that older students’ participation hinders the normal development of the class, but some students (both younger and older) believe that younger students seem socially detached from the class. Moreover, students consider that it is important to have a nice class environment in order to be willing to participate, as well as to be self-confident, which also depends on a great number of other factors explored in this thesis.