On the Effect of Cooperative Leaning Strategy of STAD on Oral Productions of Iranian EFL Learners

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of cooperative learning strategy of Student Teams Achievement Divisions ( STAD ) on developing oral communication skills of intermediate language learners at Iran Language Institute. Utilizing this strategy, a list of six oral communication skills were proposed and used as the most related skills to intermediate learners. The experimental design of the study depends on voluntary selection of choosing the group of the study, which consisted of 60 intermediate learners. The following tools were used to fulfill the purposes of the study: Oxford Placement Test, a pre-post oral communication skills and cooperative learning strategy of STAD which consisted of a teacher's guide and students' handbook. The program was administered during a six-week period. In addition, paired t-test was used to measure the effect of the training program on learners’ oral performance. The findings revealed that the program was effective in developing students’ oral communication skills as there was statistically significant difference between the pre and post administration of the test. Pedagogical instruments in the form of student and teacher surveys were also administered to provide further insight into the framework of the study.

Key words: Cooperative Learning; STAD; Oral Communication Skills