The Application Of Cooperative Learning To Encouraging Learners' Motivation In Speaking Instruction

In recent years, with the penetration of humanism and social constructivism into EFL teaching and learning, the role of teacher and learner has fundamentally changed. While in oral English class, with the influence of traditional teaching methods, teacher-centered classroom still exist everywhere. Nervousness, oppression and competitive classroom environment have aggravated students' anxiety. As a result of that, many students lost their motivation for speaking for fear of losing face. A phenomenon called "Dumb English" has appeared. However, cooperative learning model, which is very popular in western countries, provides us with possible solution to this problem. Through building an appropriate learning context and cooperation within groups, learners' anxieties are expected to be reduced in a free, democratic and relaxed environment. Meanwhile, interests and motivation for speaking English could be improved.This thesis aims at the effect of CL on the improvement students' motivation in oral English class. The research is conducted by qualitative and quantitative methods. By applying CL in oral English class, the researcher wishes to verify the effectiveness of CL on the improvement of students' motivation in oral English class. The thesis is generally on the basis of social constructivism, Vygotsky's social interaction approaches and some other theories relevant to motivation and CL. A conclusion is drawn in the end, that is, in oral English instruction, appropriately applying CL will be effective in improving students' motivation for speaking English and their oral English proficiency.