This study was qualitative but some data were quantified. The research framework was initially developed by Kagan 1990. This design was selected on the
basis to maximize students’ academic achievement, social development and English language proficiency. Such design would also enable the researcher to find out the need
for group discussion as well as the need to communicate with one another in order to achieve a common goal.
3.3 Population and Sample
The sample for the study was drawn from the Form Four Classes in one secondary school. The population profile of the Form 4 students is shown below in Table 3.1.
Table 3.1The profile of the Form 4 students by Gender and Number
Form Male Population
Female Population Total Population
4 Class 1 17
15 32
4Class 2 15
14 29
4Class 3 17
18 35
4Class 4 17
19 36
4Class 5 17
21 38
4Class 6 14
11 25
4Class 7 7
8 15
Total 104 106 210
There were seven Form four classes in the chosen school. The total number of the population of form 4 students was 210. The sampling design was that of convenience.
Class 1 was chosen as the experimental group and Class 2 was chosen as control group. Class 3 was chosen as the pilot study group for the improving of the instruments. The
students were grouped as class 1 and class 2 based on English teacher’s perception, PMR results as well as monthly Test 1 results. The sample class profile is shown in Table 3.2
below.
Table 3.2 Distribution of sample by Gender and perceived English Ability
Class Name : Class 1 Experimental Group Profile of Class
Gender English Ability
As perceived by teacher and monthly
Test 1 Results Number of
pupils Number of
Males and females
Percentage 0f males
And females
Male High 3 17
53 Average 9
Low 5 Female High
2 15 47 Average 11
Low 2 Total
32 100
Table 3.2 shows the profile of all the samples for experimental group. As found in table 3.2, five students were considered as high level of English proficiency. Majority of
them i.e. twenty of the students were considered as average level of English proficiency. However, seven of the students have low English proficiency level.
