Abstract:
The main purpose of this study was to investigate beliefs, practices and challenges of students
towards cooperative learning in English language speaking classes. To achieve this main objective,
the study raised and sought answers to the following research questions: 1). what beliefs did
students have towards cooperative language learning? 2). How did students practice cooperative
language learning in EFL classrooms? and 3) what challenges did students face while practicing
cooperative language learning? For this effect, the study used descriptive survey research design
with mixed approach (qualitative and quantitative methods). In the study, Soroka Secondary School
was selected via convenient sampling technique. In the school selected, grade nine was targeted to
the study, and 68 students out of the population of 342 students were assigned using systematic
random sampling technique. To collect data, three instruments (observation, questionnaire and
interview) were used in the study. The observation data were collected and analyzed quantitatively
(using percentage and frequency). The questionnaire data were analyzed quantitatively using
frequency, percentage, mean and grand mean. But, the interview data were through qualitatively.
The findings of the study disclosed that students believed positively towards the practice of
cooperative language learning in English language speaking circumstances. It was also found that
grade nine students did not properly practice cooperative language learning. Moreover, the findings
suggested that grade nine students faced different challenges (unaired classes, large class size, the
shortage of commitment of students and lack of follow-up from EFL teachers to practice cooperative
language learning in EFL classes
