The Effect of Using the Jigsaw Cooperative Learning Technique on Saudi EFL Students’ Speaking Skills

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate the effect of the jigsaw cooperative learning (CL) technique on the performance of Saudi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ in speaking skills and on promoting their appropriate practice of vocabulary, accuracy, fluency and pronunciation during oral tasks. The study sample consisted of 28 female students studying at Prince Megren University. The participants were assigned in two small size language classes and randomly specified as a control group (N=13) and a jigsaw group (N=15). Data was collected through a rubric designed to assess speaking. The results of the study showed that there was statistically significant differences in terms of Saudi EFL female students’ overall performance in speaking skills in favour of the jigsaw group. The results also showed that the participants in the jigsaw group outperformed those of the control group in the speaking competencies: vocabulary, accuracy, fluency, and pronunciation. The study presented some recommendations and suggestions in light of the results of the research.

Keywords: Jigsaw, Cooperative Learning, Speaking Skills