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The Effect of Large Classes on English Teaching and Learning in Saudi Secondary Schools

Author

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  • Dalal A. Bahanshal

Abstract

The effect of class size on teaching and learning English as a foreign language (EFL) has been through a contentious debate among researchers for a long time. Before the 1950's the concern about the effect of class size and the learning outcomes of students in such classes waned for some time. Yet, researchers have reconsidered the case once again and up to now it is a field of investigation. Therefore, through reviewing the existing literature on this area and examples culled from the teachers' experience, the aim of the present study are twofold- (1) to ascertain the impact of large classes on the teaching and learning outcomes, and (2) to suggest appropriate strategies Saudi secondary teachers can utilize in their large classes to facilitate English teaching and learning. To reach the aim of this study, six Saudi English teachers from two public schools were interviewed to express their perceptions about teaching in large classes. Research results present that all participants find it daunting to teach large classes. Teachers also comment that despite their efforts to elevate the level of language learning in such context, the outcome of their students is considered to be unsatisfactory. They believe that this can be contributed to the fact that there are big numbers of students in one class and wish for the number to be reduced. The study findings shed the light on some useful and effective methods to be applied in large classes which may facilitate the language teaching and learning.

Suggested Citation

  • Dalal A. Bahanshal, 2013. "The Effect of Large Classes on English Teaching and Learning in Saudi Secondary Schools," English Language Teaching, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 6(11), pages 1-49, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:ibn:eltjnl:v:6:y:2013:i:11:p:49
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Khalid Al-Seghayer, 2015. "Salient Key Features of Actual English Instructional Practices in Saudi Arabia," English Language Teaching, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 8(6), pages 1-89, June.
    2. Khaled Nasser Ali Al-Mwzaiji & Ahmad Abdullah Salih Muhammad, 2023. "EFL Learning and Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia: A Critical Perspective," World Journal of English Language, Sciedu Press, vol. 13(2), pages 435-435, March.
    3. Yuka Kataoka & Achmad Husni Thamrin & Rodney Van Meter, 2024. "ORP Gym: Online Oral Repetition Practice Support System for Large-scale Japanese-Speaking Courses Abroad," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 37(4), pages 413-439, August.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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