Cooperation In Vocational English Teaching Learning Practices

By the end of 20th century, higher education in China turned from elite education to mass education. Vocational education therefore developed rapidly. But due to the lack of investment in education and teaching training, there are a lot of problems with vocational education. The problems manifest in the lack of vigor of class and less participation of students in class. Under this circumstance, the Basic Education Curriculum Reform Outline advocates the changing of students' learning mode. It emphasizes independent, cooperative and explorative way of learning, which in fact is a mode of Cooperative Learning.Cooperative Learning emerged in America in 1970s, while it is still new in China. The research related to it, either in theory or in practice is still in its infancy. Although the National Curriculum Standards states plainly that the reforming of English Curriculum should advocate experience, practice, participation, cooperation and exchange so as to enhance students' comprehensive language competence, it is still a long way to go to change the long existing situation of "emphasizing knowledge transmission, neglecting competence enhancing". Cooperative Learning could be a good mode to help change the reality. At present, there is still large space in researching cooperative learning in vocational English teaching. The researcher expatiates how to apply the strategy of the cooperative learning into teaching practice in the vocational school.The author made a detailed analysis and explanation in the form of questionnaire investigation from two classes she taught on the aspects of the motive, attitude of learning English and influence. The result indicates that cooperative learning plays a role in the vocational school. It can advance students' motivation, resume students' self-confidence and improve students' achievement in English learning.