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Title
ENHANCING LANGUAGE EXPERIENCE AND CONNECTION WITH
COOPERATIVE LEARNING PEDAGOGY

Presenter
Dr Tengku Nor Rizan Tengku Mohd Maasum
School of Language Studies & Linguistics
Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
43600 Bangi
Selangor
Malaysia

Abstract

The pedagogical needs and approaches to learning are changing in contemporary classrooms, whether at elementary, secondary or tertiary level. Educators are aware of the importance of creating learning conditions that would encourage learners to become actively involved in order to adapt to the changing needs and approaches in language pedagogy. Some of the pedagogical approaches include active learning, complex problem-solving, experiential approaches, group work and innovative uses of technology.  Active learning is considered to be one of the approaches which could be used to enhance language learning experience and connection especially in the second language context (ESL). Cooperative learning (CL), a pedagogical technique that involves learners working together in small groups to accomplish shared learning goals and to maximize their own and each other’s learning, is one technique that can be used to promote active learning. CL comprises a repertoire of teaching strategies based on the philosophy that learners could learn effectively in small groups. The objective of this paper is to describe tertiary level learners’ perceptions of using cooperative learning to enhance their language experience and connection in an ESL context. Data are collected using a self-report questionnaire. The findings and its implications within the larger context of teaching and learning would also be included in the discussion.

Keywords: education cooperative learning active learning pedagogy
second language learning