Abstract

FORERO-ROCHA, Yolima  and  GOMEZ-RODRIGUEZ, Luis Fernando. The Influence of Power Relations on Teenagers’ Learning Process in an EFL Class. Rev.latinoam.cienc.soc.niñez juv [online]. 2016, vol.14, n.2, pp.1493-1506. ISSN 1692-715X.  https://doi.org/10.11600/1692715x.14241040915.

This research article reports on a descriptive case study that explored the power relations among teenagers in an English class at a public school in Bogota´, Colombia. Data collected from field notes and students’ opinions shared in journals and a questionnaire showed that these young learners were divided into dominant, passive, and marginalized groups. Findings indicated that the dominant groups’ rude interruptions in class activities and bullying practices, such as gossiping and ridiculing, affected dominated students in a negative way. Submissive teenagers reduced their participation in class and were poorly engaged with the learning process. The research concludes that EFL education should not only be concerned about teaching language content, but should also consider students’ social conflicts to improve academic performance.

Keywords : Interpersonal relations; teenagers; student participation; bullying; oppression; academic performance.

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