Means Towards the end: Enhancing Language Skills through Collaborative assignments in Literature in English

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to throw light on group assignments in literary subjects as a means to enhance communication skills with a particular interest in undergraduate one students who have learnt “Introduction to Literature in English”. The study involved Cusoe Joe’s Taxonomy of Specific Cooperative – learning Structure which can be applied in different contexts for distinctive purposes. Four research questions guided this study such as (1) How are students interested in group assignments? (2) To what extent do group works in Literature in English engage learners (3) what are the challenges that impede effective group works and (4) how can these challenges be addressed? The researchers used both qualitative and quantitative analysis of data generated from 58 respondents selected basing on Morgan and Krejcie’s sample size determination. Analysis of findings revealed that majority of students are very much interested in group assignments in Literature in English because they enhance communication skills through interaction. However, factors such as mixed combinations coupled with the fear of practice and little English communication skills militate against effective collaborative works. It was recommended that the two parts concerned with the teaching and learning play their parts each to grapple with these challenges.