Cooperative Skimming and Scanning to Improve Reading Comprehension

Abstract

In Ecuador, the reality of English as a foreign language (EFL) is shown in a study completed by Education First (EF) about the level and English competence of language speakers in the country in 2019. This new study has shown that while there is an implementation of the 2016 curriculum, which is supposed to improve EFL in the country and there is a raising importance of EFL around the country, the actual level of knowledge of English has declined in the last few years and is currently ranked 19 out of 19 in English language proficiency compared to other Latin American countries (2019, EF). Research discusses English language teaching and learning, focusing primarily on the various factors that can aid and impede EFL and English language teaching (ELT) in public school classrooms in Ecuador. However, Acosta and Cajas (2018) explain how Ecuador attempts to make EFL a top priority in Ecuadorian education. Many professionals from different regions in the world who work and complete research in EFL classrooms, such as Noom-ura (2013), Gulnaz, Ahmad & Mandouh (2016), Paker and Karaagac (2015), Dakhiel (2014), and Hjalmarsson (2015) discuss various factors that affect English language learning in different levels of schooling beginning with young children up to teenagers. Many of these points that have been previously discussed can be compared to the factors as they play a role in the success or difficulties of EFL when it is considered part of the curriculum in public and private schools in Ecuador and around the world.