Original article | International Journal of Research in Teacher Education 2020, Vol. 11(4) 55-84
Facebook and ESL Writing: Students’ Perspectives in one of the Saudi Institutions
Dr. Ahmed Al Shlowiy, Dr. Khaled Layali
pp. 55 - 84 | Manu. Number: ijrte.2020.010
Published online: December 29, 2020 | Number of Views: 76 | Number of Download: 584
Abstract
There has been a mixed pattern of results concerning the use of Facebook in ESL writing outside class in the literature. To understand such a pattern, the researchers intend to gain an in-depth insight about the students’ perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of using Facebook in ESL writing. The researcher conducted this study with their students at one of the institutions in Saudi Arabia. 10 students participated in this study while they were studying the English composition course, which focused on different types of essays and academic writing. Their level of English proficiency was at the upper intermediate level. The researchers employed three methods to collect data: a questionnaire, an interview, and participant observations. The findings show six benefits for using Facebook in ESL writing: (1) motivation to write, (2) collaboration among students, (3) improvement of writing, (4) being a good medium to practice writing outside class, (5) providing a less-pressure atmosphere for writing, and (6) ease of use and enabling writing anytime anywhere. Two drawbacks were identified: (1) distraction by chat invitations and (2) use of impolite language. The researchers provided suggestions for maximizing the benefits and minimizing the drawbacks.
Keywords: ESL writing, writing issues, Facebook in TESL, students’ perspectives, out of class activities
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