Educators agree: Student collaboration is a valuable exercise in the EFL classroom.
However, while most of us agree that this is a very popular method, many EFL teachers who work in areas of the world where teacher centered classrooms are the norm may be the ones to first introduce it. And, they may encounter some resistance: Employers who are used to teacher centered models may object. "Various pedagogical difficulties arise from a mismatch between the host country's and the guest teacher's pedagogical views." (Alptkien, 1984). While not all problems can be solved with communication, many can. A guest EFL teacher can attempt to begin a dialogue with his/her employer. Being prepared for questions that may arise during the dialogue can help.First, is working together worthwhile?
Yes, not only does "pair and group work immediately increase the amount of student talking time" (Harmer 1998), it provides the students with the opportunity to communicate with each other to share "suggestions, hypothesis, insights, feedback, successes, and failures" (Nielson, 1989).Second, does collaborative work reduce individual thought?
Some argue that it does just the opposite: "interaction is essential to the development of individual thought" Vygotsky (1962; 1978). Collaborative effort allows students to change roles: They act both as students and teachers by "exhibiting a degree of self reliance that simply is not possible" (Harmer) in teacher centered environments.Third, will students adapt to a new style of learning?
Students who have never experienced a student centered environment may be apprehensive, but they can adapt with some help. They will need to be introduced to pair and group work gradually. "It is a good idea to familiarize students with pair work at the beginning of the course by giving them this kind of very short task to perform. As students get used to the idea of working in pair and groups, the teacher can extend the range of activities being offered (Harmer). Bassanao and Christison (1984) offer a six step sequencing program: "restructuring, unified group, dyads, small group, and large group" to further this goal.
