An Investigation into some Libyan EFL University Instructors' and Students' Attitudes towards Using Group Work

Abstract

This study investigates the attitudes of hundred Libyan EFL university students and five instructors towards using group work in the EFL classroom. A mixed research approach was employed for data collection. The quantitative data of this study was collected through a close-ended questionnaire. Hundred students participated in the study who were selected randomly from the Department of English, Sabratha University. The qualitative data was collected through semistructured interviews conducted with five English instructors from the same department. The results of the study showed that most of the participants hold positive attitudes towards using group work for developing communication skills, enhancing understanding and performance and motivating students to use English language for interaction. However, there are some challenges which hindered the implementation of group work effectively such as using native language, controlling time and noise, dominating students and not receiving corrective feedback. Therefore, group work should be considered as a valuable and useful teaching technique for improving EFL students’ speaking and communication skills.