How Do Students Work in Groups for a Mini Presentation in Speaking Classes?

In spite of the fact that groupwork is no longer a new classroom practice, it has always been a preferred activity in classes of all disciplines. What challenges practitioner teachers is that its ubiquitous utilization does not necessarily guarantee unconditional success in all teaching and learning contexts. This is the reason why constant reflection and evaluation on how groupwork is being done among students is important to maximize the effectiveness of groupwork in students’ learning. In this light, this research was carried out in order to cast a look at the real practice of students in taking part in groupwork activities for a mini presentation in speaking classes. The research participants are first-year students of the advanced program at Banking Academy of Vietnam. Students’ preferences and practices in making groups, assigning roles, diving tasks, co-operating with each other, etc. will be analyzed in this report. The reflection on students’ common practice in groupwork serves as a basis for pedagogical recommendations for teachers and students in order to fully take advantages of this learning activity.