Educational Environment (Coeducation / Segregated) and the Progress of Speaking Ability among Iranian EFL Students

Abstract

Coeducation environment _which in Iran is just enjoyed in universities_ is an unfamiliar educational environment for Iranian students and may influence the total outcome of teaching and learning. The present research focuses on the impact of coeducation on speaking ability. A longitudinal study was undertaken on 20 subjects, chosen from 2 universities in which both coeducation and single-sex education were enjoyed. The probable influence of sex, family income, language proficiency, and extroversion/introversion variables were controlled. Furthermore, the probable impact of attending extra conversation classes was eliminated. Analyzing the results of pre-test and post-test of speaking indicated that single-sex system is better for male students, but no significant difference was observed for female students. This negative influence of coeducation system on the speaking ability of the male students and probably the total gains of teaching and learning do worth revisions on educational system provided that it could be confirmed by meticulous replications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]