Weblogs in EFL Writing Course
Keywords:
blog, writing skill,, EFL, learner attitudesAbstract
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 to the study. Additionally participants Internet use habits that were assessed through an Internet use inquiry forms are also considered prior to the treatment. During the treatment period, which was lasted over a 6-week period, 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, achievements of the participants were reassessed and results were compared with pre-test scores. Additionally, learners’ attitudes toward the writing course and use of blogs, was examined through a 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 as very beneficial.
References
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Abdullah, R. (2011). Types of web-based asynchronous peer feedback (WAPF) in developing writing skills among undergraduate students. EDUCARE, International Journal of Educational Studies, 3(2), 195-204.
Abraham, I. & MacDonald, K. (2011) Encyclopedia of nursing research: Quasi-experimental research. Springer Publishing Company
Arıkan, A. & Khezerlou E. (2010). Prospective English language teachers’ views on computer and paper-based instructional materials in developing language components. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2, 4006-4009.
Armstrong, K. & Retterer, O. (2008). Blogging as L2 writing: A case study. AACE Journal, 16, 233–251.
Arslan, R.Şž. & Şžahin-Kızıl, A. (2010). How can the use of blog software facilitate the writing process of English language learners? Computer Assisted Language Learning, 23(3), 183-197.
Atay, D. & Kurt, G. (2006). Prospective teachers and L2 writing anxiety. The Asian EFL Journal Quarterly, 8(4), 100-118.
Bashir, S., Mahmood K. & Shafique, F. (2008). Internet use among university students: A survey in university of the Punjab, Lahore. Pakistan Journal of Library and Information Science, 9, 49-65.
Blackstone, B., Spiri, J. & Naganuma, N. (2007). Blogs in English language teaching and learning: Pedagogical uses and students responses. Reflections of English Language Teaching, 6(2), 1-20.
Brandt, C. (2008). Integrating feedback and reflection in teacher preparation. ELT Journal, 62(1), 37–46.
Bruns, A. & Jacobs J. (2006). Introduction. In A. Bruns & J. Jacobs, (Eds.) Uses of Blogs: Digital formations (pp.1-8). New York: Peter Lang.
Can, G. & Özdemir, D. (2006). Blogging in higher education: Theoretical and practical approach. Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics, 4(6), 5-13.
Chen, Y.L., Liu, E.Z., Shih, R.C., Wu, C.T. & Yuan, S.M. (2011). Use of peer feedback to enhance elementary students’ writing through blogging. British Journal of Educational Technology, 42 (1), 1-4.
Dippold, D. (2009). Peer feedback through blogs: Student and teacher perceptions in an advanced German class. ReCall, 21(1), 18-36.
Dovedan, Z, Seljan, S. & VuĞkoviЇ, K. (2002). Multimedia in foreign language learning. Proceedings of the 25th International Convention MIPRO, Conference Multimedia and Hypermedia Systems (pp. 72-75). Opatija.
Du, H. & Wagner, C. (2007). Learning with weblogs: Enhancing cognitive and social knowledge construction. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication,50(1), 1-16.
Duffy, P. & Burns, A. (2006). The use of blogs, wikis and RSS in education: A conversation of possibilities. Proceedings of the Online Learning and Teaching Conference 2006 (pp.31-38). Brisbane.
Ellison, N. & Wu, Y. (2008). Blogging in the classroom: A preliminary exploration of student attitudes and impact on comprehension. Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia, 17(1), 99-122.
Erkuş, A. (2011). Davranış bilimleri için bilimsel araştırma süreci. (3. Baskı). Ankara: Seçkin Yayıncılık.
Fageeh, A.I. (2011). EFL learners’ use of blogging for developing writing skills and enhancing attitudes towards English learning: An exploratory study. Journal of Language and Literature, 2(1), 31-48.
Farmer, B., Yue, A. & Brooks, C. (2008). Using blogging for higher order learning in large cohort university teaching: A case study. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 24 (2), 123–136.
Ferdig, R. E. & Trammell, K., D. (2004). Content delivery in the 'Blogosphere’. Technological Horizons in Education (THE) Journal, 31(7), pp. 12-17.
Godwin-Jones, R. (2003). Blogs and wikis: Environments for online collaboration. Language Learning & Technology, 7(2), 12-16.
Gronlund, N. E. (2003). Assessment of student achievement (7th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Hashemi, M. & Najafi, V. (2011). Using blogs in English language writing classes. International Journal of Academic Research, 3(4), 600-604.
Harrington, C. L., Kopp, T. W. & Schimmel, K. S. (2003). Lessons from the Norwegian folk high school tradition. International Education Journal, 4(2), 121-137.
Hughes, A. (2003). Testing for language teachers (2nd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Huwari, I.F. & Aziz, N.H.A. (2011). Writing apprehension in English among Jordanian postgraduate students at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Academic Research International, 1 (2), 190-198.
Jonassen, D. H. (2000). Computers as MindTools for schools: Engaging critical thinking. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Kavaliauskiene, G., Anusiene, L. & Ma޾eikiene V. (2006). Application of blogging for learner development. Journal of Language and Learning, 4(2), 133-143.
Khampusaen, D. (2012). Collaborative blogging: A tool for teaching writing in EFL classroom. International Conference on Education and Management Innovation, IPEDR, 30, (pp. 161-165). Singapore.
Koçoğlu, Z. (2009). .Yabancı dil olarak İngilizce yazma dersinde blogların kullanımı. Ankara Üniversitesi Eğitim Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, 42(1), 311-327.
Kuzu, A. (2007). Views of pre-service teachers on blog use for instruction and social interaction. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 8 (3), 34-51.
Lance, J. (2006). Contribution to the e-community: An evaluation of the role and level of usage of weblogs to support teaching and learning in higher education. Investigations in University Teaching and Learning, 3 (2), 85-91.
Latif, M., A. (2007). The factors accounting for the Egyptian EFL university students’ negative writing effect. Essex Graduate Student Papers in Language & Linguistics, 9, 57-82.
Lou, S.J., Wu, S.C., Shih, R.C. & Tseng K.H. (2010). Adoption of blogging by a Chinese language composition class in a vocational high school in Taiwan. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 26(6), 898-916.
Loving, C.C., Schroeder, C., Kang, R., Shimek, C. & Herbert, B. (2007). Blogs: Enhancing links in a professional learning community of science and mathematics teachers. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 7 (3), 178-198.
Macintyre, P.D. & Gardner, R.C. (1989). Anxiety and second language learning: Toward a theoretical clarification. Language Learning, 39(2), 251-275.
Malik, A. & Mahmood, K. (2009). Web search behavior of university students: A case study at University of the Punjab. Webology, 6(2), 1-14.
Miyazoe, T. & Anderson, T. (2010). Learning outcomes and students’ perceptions of online writing: Simultaneous implementation of a forum, blog, and wiki in an EFL blended learning setting. System, 38(2), 185-199.
Motschnig-Pitrik, R. & Holzinger, A. (2002). Student-centered teaching meets new media: Concept and case study. Educational Technology & Society, 5(4), 160-172.
Moundridou, M. & Goulioti, E. (2010). Exploring students’ and teachers’ attitudes towards using blogs in secondary education. In M. B. Nunes & M. McPherson (Eds), IADIS International Conference E-Learning (pp.113-120). Freiburg, Germany.
Northcott, B., Miliszewska, I., & Dakich, E. (2007). ICT for (i)nspiring (c)reative (t)hinking. In ICT: Providing Choices for Learners and Learning, Ascilite Singapore Proceedings (pp.761-768). Singapore: Ascilite.
Noytim, U. (2010). Weblogs enhancing EFL students’ English language learning. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2(2), 1127–1132.
O'Donnell, M. (2006). Blogging as pedagogic practice: Artifact and ecology. Asia Pacific Media Educator, 17, 5-19.
Oravec, J. (2002). Bookmarking the world: Weblog applications in education. Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, 45(7), 616-621.
Özkan, Y. (2011). Blogging in a teaching skills course for pre-service teachers of English as a second language. Australian Journal of Educational Technology, 27(4), 655-670.
Pinkman, K. (2005). Using blogs in the foreign language classroom: Encouraging learner independence. The JALT CALL Journal, 1(1), 12-24.
Quintero, L.M. (2008). Blogging: A way to foster EFL writing. Colombian Applied Linguistics Journal, 10, 7-49.
Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools
for classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Ramos, P.H. (2004). Web logs and online discussions as tools to promote reflective practice. The Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 3(1), 1-16.
Sam, H.K., Othman, A.E.A. & Nordin, Z.S. (2005). Computer self-efficacy, computer anxiety, and attitudes toward the Internet: A study among undergraduates in Unimas. Educational Technology & Society, 8(4), 205-219.
Schunk, D.H. (2000). Social cognitive theory. In Kevin M. Davis (Ed.), Learning theories: An educational perspective (3rd ed.), (pp. 118-129). Upper Saddle River: Merrill.
Storch, N. (2005). Collaborative writing: Product, process and students’ reflections. Journal of Second Language Writing, 14(3), 153-173.
Sun, Y.C. & Chang, Y.J. (2012). Blogging to learn: Becoming EFL academic writers through collaborative dialogues. Language Learning & Technology, 16(1), 43-61.
Tan, J. (2008). Motivations and students’ perceptions of learning: An empirical study of blogs. In G. Bradley (ed.), Proceedings of the IADIS international conference ICT, society and human beings (pp.10-17).Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Tan, S.M., Ladyshewsky, R.K. & Gardner, P. (2010). Using blogging to promote clinical reasoning and metacognition in undergraduate physiotherapy fieldwork programs. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 26(3), 355-368.
Vurdien, R. (2011). Enhancing writing skills through blogging in advanced English as a foreign language class in Spain. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 26(2), 126-143.
Wang, F. & Fang, Y.F. (2005). Benefits of cooperative learning in weblog networks. ERIC Document Reproduction Service (ED490815).
Wang, Q. (2009). Designing a web-based constructivist environment. Journal of Interactive Learning Environments, 17(1), 1-13.
Weller, Μ., Pegler, C. & Mason, R. (2005). Use of innovative technologies on an e-learning course. The Internet and Higher Education, 8(1), 61-71.
Wu, W.S. (2005). Using blogs in an EFL writing class. Proceedings of 2005 International Conference and Workshop on TEFL and Applied Linguistics, (pp. 426-432). Taiwan.
Zhang, D. (2009). The application of blog in English writing. Journal of Cambridge Studies, 4(1), 64-72.
Abu Shawish, J. & Abdelraheem, A.M. (2010). An investigation of Palestinian EFL majors' writing apprehension: Causes and remedies. Proceedings of the First National Conference on: Improving TEFL Methods & Practices at Palestinian Universities. Al”Quds Open University, Palestine.
Abdullah, R. (2011). Types of web-based asynchronous peer feedback (WAPF) in developing writing skills among undergraduate students. EDUCARE, International Journal of Educational Studies, 3(2), 195-204.
Abraham, I. & MacDonald, K. (2011) Encyclopedia of nursing research: Quasi-experimental research. Springer Publishing Company
Arıkan, A. & Khezerlou E. (2010). Prospective English language teachers’ views on computer and paper-based instructional materials in developing language components. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2, 4006-4009.
Armstrong, K. & Retterer, O. (2008). Blogging as L2 writing: A case study. AACE Journal, 16, 233–251.
Arslan, R.Şž. & Şžahin-Kızıl, A. (2010). How can the use of blog software facilitate the writing process of English language learners? Computer Assisted Language Learning, 23(3), 183-197.
Atay, D. & Kurt, G. (2006). Prospective teachers and L2 writing anxiety. The Asian EFL Journal Quarterly, 8(4), 100-118.
Bashir, S., Mahmood K. & Shafique, F. (2008). Internet use among university students: A survey in university of the Punjab, Lahore. Pakistan Journal of Library and Information Science, 9, 49-65.
Blackstone, B., Spiri, J. & Naganuma, N. (2007). Blogs in English language teaching and learning: Pedagogical uses and students responses. Reflections of English Language Teaching, 6(2), 1-20.
Brandt, C. (2008). Integrating feedback and reflection in teacher preparation. ELT Journal, 62(1), 37–46.
Bruns, A. & Jacobs J. (2006). Introduction. In A. Bruns & J. Jacobs, (Eds.) Uses of Blogs: Digital formations (pp.1-8). New York: Peter Lang.
Can, G. & Özdemir, D. (2006). Blogging in higher education: Theoretical and practical approach. Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics, 4(6), 5-13.
Chen, Y.L., Liu, E.Z., Shih, R.C., Wu, C.T. & Yuan, S.M. (2011). Use of peer feedback to enhance elementary students’ writing through blogging. British Journal of Educational Technology, 42 (1), 1-4.
Dippold, D. (2009). Peer feedback through blogs: Student and teacher perceptions in an advanced German class. ReCall, 21(1), 18-36.
Dovedan, Z, Seljan, S. & VuĞkoviЇ, K. (2002). Multimedia in foreign language learning. Proceedings of the 25th International Convention MIPRO, Conference Multimedia and Hypermedia Systems (pp. 72-75). Opatija.
Du, H. & Wagner, C. (2007). Learning with weblogs: Enhancing cognitive and social knowledge construction. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication,50(1), 1-16.
Duffy, P. & Burns, A. (2006). The use of blogs, wikis and RSS in education: A conversation of possibilities. Proceedings of the Online Learning and Teaching Conference 2006 (pp.31-38). Brisbane.
Ellison, N. & Wu, Y. (2008). Blogging in the classroom: A preliminary exploration of student attitudes and impact on comprehension. Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia, 17(1), 99-122.
Erkuş, A. (2011). Davranış bilimleri için bilimsel araştırma süreci. (3. Baskı). Ankara: Seçkin Yayıncılık.
Fageeh, A.I. (2011). EFL learners’ use of blogging for developing writing skills and enhancing attitudes towards English learning: An exploratory study. Journal of Language and Literature, 2(1), 31-48.
Farmer, B., Yue, A. & Brooks, C. (2008). Using blogging for higher order learning in large cohort university teaching: A case study. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 24 (2), 123–136.
Ferdig, R. E. & Trammell, K., D. (2004). Content delivery in the 'Blogosphere’. Technological Horizons in Education (THE) Journal, 31(7), pp. 12-17.
Godwin-Jones, R. (2003). Blogs and wikis: Environments for online collaboration. Language Learning & Technology, 7(2), 12-16.
Gronlund, N. E. (2003). Assessment of student achievement (7th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Hashemi, M. & Najafi, V. (2011). Using blogs in English language writing classes. International Journal of Academic Research, 3(4), 600-604.
Harrington, C. L., Kopp, T. W. & Schimmel, K. S. (2003). Lessons from the Norwegian folk high school tradition. International Education Journal, 4(2), 121-137.
Hughes, A. (2003). Testing for language teachers (2nd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Huwari, I.F. & Aziz, N.H.A. (2011). Writing apprehension in English among Jordanian postgraduate students at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Academic Research International, 1 (2), 190-198.
Jonassen, D. H. (2000). Computers as MindTools for schools: Engaging critical thinking. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
Kavaliauskiene, G., Anusiene, L. & Ma޾eikiene V. (2006). Application of blogging for learner development. Journal of Language and Learning, 4(2), 133-143.
Khampusaen, D. (2012). Collaborative blogging: A tool for teaching writing in EFL classroom. International Conference on Education and Management Innovation, IPEDR, 30, (pp. 161-165). Singapore.
Koçoğlu, Z. (2009). .Yabancı dil olarak İngilizce yazma dersinde blogların kullanımı. Ankara Üniversitesi Eğitim Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi, 42(1), 311-327.
Kuzu, A. (2007). Views of pre-service teachers on blog use for instruction and social interaction. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 8 (3), 34-51.
Lance, J. (2006). Contribution to the e-community: An evaluation of the role and level of usage of weblogs to support teaching and learning in higher education. Investigations in University Teaching and Learning, 3 (2), 85-91.
Latif, M., A. (2007). The factors accounting for the Egyptian EFL university students’ negative writing effect. Essex Graduate Student Papers in Language & Linguistics, 9, 57-82.
Lou, S.J., Wu, S.C., Shih, R.C. & Tseng K.H. (2010). Adoption of blogging by a Chinese language composition class in a vocational high school in Taiwan. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 26(6), 898-916.
Loving, C.C., Schroeder, C., Kang, R., Shimek, C. & Herbert, B. (2007). Blogs: Enhancing links in a professional learning community of science and mathematics teachers. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 7 (3), 178-198.
Macintyre, P.D. & Gardner, R.C. (1989). Anxiety and second language learning: Toward a theoretical clarification. Language Learning, 39(2), 251-275.
Malik, A. & Mahmood, K. (2009). Web search behavior of university students: A case study at University of the Punjab. Webology, 6(2), 1-14.
Miyazoe, T. & Anderson, T. (2010). Learning outcomes and students’ perceptions of online writing: Simultaneous implementation of a forum, blog, and wiki in an EFL blended learning setting. System, 38(2), 185-199.
Motschnig-Pitrik, R. & Holzinger, A. (2002). Student-centered teaching meets new media: Concept and case study. Educational Technology & Society, 5(4), 160-172.
Moundridou, M. & Goulioti, E. (2010). Exploring students’ and teachers’ attitudes towards using blogs in secondary education. In M. B. Nunes & M. McPherson (Eds), IADIS International Conference E-Learning (pp.113-120). Freiburg, Germany.
Northcott, B., Miliszewska, I., & Dakich, E. (2007). ICT for (i)nspiring (c)reative (t)hinking. In ICT: Providing Choices for Learners and Learning, Ascilite Singapore Proceedings (pp.761-768). Singapore: Ascilite.
Noytim, U. (2010). Weblogs enhancing EFL students’ English language learning. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2(2), 1127–1132.
O'Donnell, M. (2006). Blogging as pedagogic practice: Artifact and ecology. Asia Pacific Media Educator, 17, 5-19.
Oravec, J. (2002). Bookmarking the world: Weblog applications in education. Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, 45(7), 616-621.
Özkan, Y. (2011). Blogging in a teaching skills course for pre-service teachers of English as a second language. Australian Journal of Educational Technology, 27(4), 655-670.
Pinkman, K. (2005). Using blogs in the foreign language classroom: Encouraging learner independence. The JALT CALL Journal, 1(1), 12-24.
Quintero, L.M. (2008). Blogging: A way to foster EFL writing. Colombian Applied Linguistics Journal, 10, 7-49.
Richardson, W. (2010). Blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other powerful web tools
for classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Ramos, P.H. (2004). Web logs and online discussions as tools to promote reflective practice. The Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 3(1), 1-16.
Sam, H.K., Othman, A.E.A. & Nordin, Z.S. (2005). Computer self-efficacy, computer anxiety, and attitudes toward the Internet: A study among undergraduates in Unimas. Educational Technology & Society, 8(4), 205-219.
Schunk, D.H. (2000). Social cognitive theory. In Kevin M. Davis (Ed.), Learning theories: An educational perspective (3rd ed.), (pp. 118-129). Upper Saddle River: Merrill.
Storch, N. (2005). Collaborative writing: Product, process and students’ reflections. Journal of Second Language Writing, 14(3), 153-173.
Sun, Y.C. & Chang, Y.J. (2012). Blogging to learn: Becoming EFL academic writers through collaborative dialogues. Language Learning & Technology, 16(1), 43-61.
Tan, J. (2008). Motivations and students’ perceptions of learning: An empirical study of blogs. In G. Bradley (ed.), Proceedings of the IADIS international conference ICT, society and human beings (pp.10-17).Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Tan, S.M., Ladyshewsky, R.K. & Gardner, P. (2010). Using blogging to promote clinical reasoning and metacognition in undergraduate physiotherapy fieldwork programs. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 26(3), 355-368.
Vurdien, R. (2011). Enhancing writing skills through blogging in advanced English as a foreign language class in Spain. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 26(2), 126-143.
Wang, F. & Fang, Y.F. (2005). Benefits of cooperative learning in weblog networks. ERIC Document Reproduction Service (ED490815).
Wang, Q. (2009). Designing a web-based constructivist environment. Journal of Interactive Learning Environments, 17(1), 1-13.
Weller, Μ., Pegler, C. & Mason, R. (2005). Use of innovative technologies on an e-learning course. The Internet and Higher Education, 8(1), 61-71.
Wu, W.S. (2005). Using blogs in an EFL writing class. Proceedings of 2005 International Conference and Workshop on TEFL and Applied Linguistics, (pp. 426-432). Taiwan.
Zhang, D. (2009). The application of blog in English writing. Journal of Cambridge Studies, 4(1), 64-72.
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2020-06-30
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Kazancı, R. ., & Caner, M. (2020). Weblogs in EFL Writing Course. Journal of Narrative and Language Studies, 8(14), 151–163. Retrieved from https://nalans.com/index.php/nalans/article/view/206
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