Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Proceedings of 2nd MEC TESOL Conference 2020 Pp.343- 359
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/MEC2.25
An Insight into Female EFL Learners’ Difficulties and Needs in Writing: The Case of
Secondary High Schools in Saudi Arabia
Fatima Yousef Alzahrani(correspondent author)
The English Language Institute
King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Email: fatima.2018.new@hotmail.com
Eatedal Mohammed Alghamdi
The English Language Institute
King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Maysa Mohammad Sadiq Qutob
The English Language Institute
King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Abstract:
Curriculum development has been carried out to improve English as a Foreign Language (EFL) courses in Saudi public schools; however, EFL learners still have difficulties in writing. This study examines the difficulties that Saudi female EFL learners face in writing in secondary high schools. The study also aims to identify 12th grade female EFL learners’ needs in improving their writing skills. The research findings might help curriculum designers and EFL teachers to make improvements to a curriculum that meet EFL learners’ needs. The participants were 216 female EFL learners studying in public schools in Jeddah. A questionnaire including closed items on a Likert scale and one open-ended question were used to collect data, which were then analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The results illustrate that female EFL learners’ main difficulties in EFL writing are mechanics, use of proper vocabulary, and organization of texts. Additionally, female learners expressed their needs and suggestions for improving their writing skills which are related to the specific difficulties they face. Accordingly, the researchers suggest establishing a well-designed writing program which provides learners with sufficient training in writing skills by increasing the number of hours given to writing.
Keywords: curriculum design, difficulties, high school, needs analysis, Saudi female EFL learners, writing skills
Cite as: Alzahrani, F.Y., Alghamdi, E. M., & Qutob, M. M. S. (2020). An Insight into Female EFL Learners’ Difficulties and Needs in Writing: The Case of Secondary High Schools in Saudi Arabia. Arab World English Journal(AWEJ). Proceedings of 2nd MEC TESOLConference 2020: 343- 359.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/MEC2.25
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