An Investigation into some Libyan EFL University Instructors' and Students' Attitudes towards Using Group Work
Abstract
This study investigates the attitudes of hundred Libyan EFL university
students and five instructors towards using group work in the EFL classroom. A
mixed research approach was employed for data collection. The quantitative data of
this study was collected through a close-ended questionnaire. Hundred students
participated in the study who were selected randomly from the Department of
English, Sabratha University. The qualitative data was collected through semistructured interviews conducted with five English instructors from the same
department. The results of the study showed that most of the participants hold positive
attitudes towards using group work for developing communication skills, enhancing
understanding and performance and motivating students to use English language for
interaction. However, there are some challenges which hindered the implementation
of group work effectively such as using native language, controlling time and noise,
dominating students and not receiving corrective feedback. Therefore, group work
should be considered as a valuable and useful teaching technique for improving EFL
students’ speaking and communication skills.