The Problem of Raising Group Cohesiveness in the EFL Classroom

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the problems of forming and developing group cohesiveness as an essential part of learning and teaching foreign languages. It raises an issue of phased group development in the process of learners’ interaction in the EFL classes in Russian primary school. The research centres on findings intended to manifest the educational potential of group cohesiveness and to clarify the terms “group” and “collective” according to contemporary international educational standards. The insufficiency of studies on group cohesiveness in foreign language classrooms and the existing research results that emphasise the importance of group processes in language learning explain the relevance of this paper. As the methodological instruments name A.N. Lutoshkin’s social climate circle and the method of emotive symbols were used. Group cohesiveness was analysed from the perspective of the pupils under study and the observers of the process. The research demonstrates the influence of group emotional state and level of cohesiveness on the effectiveness of interactive techniques in the EFL classes. The findings demonstrate the complex interaction between group development and educational results.