University Students’ Perception on Cooperative Learning in General English Course

This research investigated university students’ perception on cooperative learning in general English course based on their expectation and experience in order to have a better understanding of its advantages and challenges and promote cooperative learning environment relevant to Korean EFL context. The pre- and post-course survey questionnaires of 91 students were administered and their group presentation reports and 14 voluntary students’ in-depth interview data were collected. The results showed that more students had favorable attitudes and responses to group based learning and activities. They expressed positive experience and advantages such as development of social skills and an increase in learning motivation while challenges they faced were revealed like difficulty in problem-solving process and a question of efficiency. Based on the findings, this study would put an emphasis on fostering cooperative learning environment and conditions and contribute to seeking for a successful implementation of cooperative learning.