WATCHAREE WONGTHANET (UTTARADIT RAJABHAT UNIVERSITY)
PITTAYA YAMO (Uttaradit Rajabhat University)

ENHANCING STUDENTS' ENGLISH COMMUNICATION SKILLS: A COOPERATIVE LEARNING APPROACH : SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION AND LITERACY DEVELOPMENT

The purpose of this study was to investigate students' perspectives on English communication skills development using cooperative learning activities. The population consisted of 200 seventh grade students, and the sample included 30 seventh-grade Enhancement Program of Mathematics and English students who enrolled in English for Hospitality Industry course for the 2023 academic year. The research instrument was a student reflective journal, and thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The results showed that students demonstrated four themes related to cooperative learning strategies in terms of English conversation skills development: English vocabulary and communication, feelings about doing activities with peers, favourite activities while studying English, and developing English communication skills. The first theme consists of three sub-themes: learning and acquisition of vocabulary, application of English in Hospitality Industry, and language integration. The second theme is divided into three sub-themes: enjoyment and fun in learning, sense of community and relaxation, and curiosity and satisfaction. The third theme has three sub-themes: collaboration and teamwork, engagement with vocabulary in context, and instructional effectiveness. The last theme is made up of three sub-themes: enhanced communication skills, cultural awareness, and creativity and critical Thinking. The study’ s results are significant for institutions, instructors, and students. Institutions can improve teaching methods, instructors can create customized learning activities, and future students can effectively prepare to improve their English communication skills through peer interaction and cooperative learning.

Watcharee Wongthanet is currently a faculty member at Faculty of Education, Uttaradit Rajabhat University. With her expertise in English, Linguistics, TEFL and TESOL, She has been teaching in English Program and coaching various courses including TOEIC, TOEFL and English for Chinese students since 2002. She is interested in language and culture.

Dr. Pittaya Yamo is a lecturer in Business English (International Program) at Uttaradit Rajabhat University in Thailand. He earned a Ph.D. in Culture and Online Education from Queensland University of Technology in Australia. His research interests include online learning, intercultural communication, second language acquisition, and learner engagement.