A qualitative study of peer-assisted learning for college English as a foreign language learners in Taiwan (China)

The purpose of this study was to investigate how peer-assisted learning affected the college EFL students' academic and interpersonal skills in the learning process. This qualitative study also sought explanations as to the factors behind whether or not the students favored the peer-assisted learning strategies in the college EFL second year reading classrooms in Taiwan.; Participants in this study were seven high-proficiency students, seven low-proficiency students, and four classroom teachers from two different universities. Each student participant was from different disciplines, such as: social work, engineering, early childhood education, economics, accounting, education, information management, and agriculture. The use of different data sources and the diversity of students' academic backgrounds helped strengthen the study.; This study provided a deeper understanding of how the students perceived peer-assisted learning (PAL) strategies. Classroom teachers can benefit from knowing what the students' thinking, reactions, and attitudes toward PAL for college EFL learners in Taiwan. This study revealed different attitudes and perceptions toward PAL among the EFL college learners. The importance and difficulties of PAL encountered from the teachers' viewpoints enriched and contributed to a deeper understanding of the factors that influence the effectiveness and application of PAL.