Weblogs in EFL writing course


KAZANCI R., CANER M.

NALANS: Journal of Narrative and Language Studies, cilt.8, sa.14, ss.151-163, 2020 (Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 8 Sayı: 14
  • Basım Tarihi: 2020
  • Dergi Adı: NALANS: Journal of Narrative and Language Studies
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.151-163
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Attitudes, Blog, EFL, Writing skill
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

© 2020 Karadeniz Technical University. All rights reserved.In light of innovations in education, various instructional methods and techniques have been utilized to encourage foreign langue learners to practice writing, not only in class, but also outside the classroom. In line with those practices, EFL learners' blog uses for writing lessons were practiced, and learners' attitudes toward such a practice were examined in the present study. Thirty students who enrolled in a writing course in a university level participated in the study. Additionally, participants' Internet use habits that were assessed through the Internet use inquiry forms are also considered prior to the treatment. During the treatment period, which was lasted over a 6-week period, the participants enrolled in a writing course which was supported by the use of blogs in addition to the regular curriculum. Throughout the study, all of the participants wrote 3 essays, each consisting of a first, second and final draft. Two of the essays were of the compare-contrast type, and the third was a definition essay. At the end of the 6 weeks of treatment, the achievements of the participants were reassessed, and the results were compared with the pre-test scores. Additionally, learners' attitudes toward the writing course and use of blogs were examined through an inquiry form. The findings revealed that using blogs for writing lessons was an effective method to improve student achievements in writing. The findings additionally depicted that participants found the writing lessons supported by blogs very beneficial.