Cooperative learning and the use of games in the EFL classroom in 1st year ESO

Abstract

Motivation is the key to success when teaching a Foreign Language. However, there are other aspects that influence the learning process of our students, as for instance the methodology used, which is in fact strongly related to motivation. In order to keep students motivated, the teacher needs to look for new methodologies with the aim of refreshing how the contents are taught. Group work implementation in the Foreign Language class has been disregarded by teachers in most public schools of Spain, despite the fact that working in groups offers an incredible amount of advantages for young learners. In addition to group work, games in the EFL classroom are non-existent in the curriculum, and can only be found whenever holidays are around the corner and teachers decide to do a different and funnier class. This has led to an association of games being nothing but a resource to do a funny class, disregarding the educational approach of games. This study analyses the response of students of two different groups of 1st year of ESO to the substitution of their textbook for original materials and the implementation of group work and games in the sessions. The essay is divided in four parts. The first one provides a theoretical background for the study, where theories regarding group work and the use of games in the FL classroom are exposed. The second part of the essay states how the implementation was done regarding evaluation, scheduling and grouping of the students. Thirdly, the activities are detailed with regards to objectives, methodology, contents, development and assessment of each one of the activities. The last part of this essay contains the conclusion of the analysis, where evidence shows that group work and games enhance motivation and accelerate the learning process.