The rol of peer interaction in developing EFL students communicative competence

Abstract

Classroom interaction has become an important strategy in learning classes, especially in second and foreign language classrooms. Research in the field shows that interaction with peers stands to be helpful in developing learners’ communicative abilities where they are given a wide range of opportunities to use language naturally. It has been noticed that students of English do face problems in the course of communication in or outside classroom settings. Learners’ communicative abilities would probably be developed if they are provided with opportunities to interact and practice the language with their peers. The present research work attempts to evoke the importance of peer interaction as a good strategy in helping students to develop not only their knowledge about language, but more importantly about how to use it appropriately and effectively. For purposes of data collection, questionnaires appeared to be of particular relevance. Two questionnaires have been administered to both first year (LMD-license) students from the English Department and teachers of Oral Expression to get information about the role of peer interaction in promoting students’ communicative competence. The analysis of the questionnaires confirms the stated hypothesis and the results shows that both students and teachers view peer interaction as a good strategy that can be implemented in foreign language classes in order to develop students’ communicative abilities. The results also educe the centrality of peer interaction to foster communicative competence.