Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 15. Number 2, June 2024                                             Pp.321-336

Incidental Writing Skills Acquisition Through Using Literature-Based Instruction

Center of Preparatory Studies, English Language Unit
Dhofar University, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman.

Corresponding Author: ebaa@du.edu.om

Abstract:

This study delves into the transformative potential of Literature-Based Instruction on the incidental acquisition of writing skills among ESL/EFL students in Salalah, Oman. Acknowledging the pressing need for effective teaching methodologies that bolster writing proficiency, this research employs a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the effectiveness of LBI in enhancing students’ writing abilities. The study involves a sample of 100 intermediate-level students divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group received instruction through literary texts, while the control group followed a conventional curriculum. Data were collected through pre-tests, post-tests, and observations. The findings reveal that students exposed to LBI demonstrated significantly improved writing fluency, coherence, and grammatical accuracy compared to the control group. Additionally, qualitative data indicate increased student motivation and engagement with the learning material. The study underscores the potential of LBI to foster incidental writing skills acquisition and suggests practical implications for curriculum designers and educators in similar linguistic and cultural contexts. Educators can create a more enriching and effective learning environment that improves language skills and nurtures a lifelong appreciation for literature by integrating literature into language instruction.
Keywords: English as a second language, incidental writing skill, literature, literature-based instruction, reading, writing

 

Cite as:

Momani, E. R.  (2024). Incidental Writing Skills Acquisition Through Using Literature-Based Instruction.
Arab World English Journal, 15(2): 321-336.

References:

Adeyanju, T. K. (1978). Teaching literature and human values. ESL Journal, XXXII(2), 133.

Amer, A. A. (2003). Teaching EFL/ESL literature. The Reading Matrix, 3(2), 63-73.

Ailing, K. (2002). Scaffolding in a learning community of practice: A case study of a gradual release of responsibility from the teacher to the student [Abstract]. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Reading Association (47th, San Francisco, CA). (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 465 995).

Carrasquillo, A. (1998). The role of literature in content-based ESL instruction. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 42(1), 45-57.

Graham, S., & Harris, K. (1994). The effect of whole language on children’s writing: A review of literature. Educational Psychologist, 29(4), 187–192. doi:10.1207/s15326985ep2904_1

Hismanoglu, M. (2005). Teaching English through literature. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 1(1), 53-66.

Johnson, A., & Green, B. (2020). Enhancing descriptive writing skills through literature-based instruction in ESL classrooms. Journal of Second Language Writing, 19(3), 201-216. doi:10.1016/j.jslw.2020.03.001

Heller, M. F. (1999). Reading-writing connection from theory to practice. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Jay, T. B. (2003). The psychology of language. NJ: Prentice Hall.

Lee, S., Kim, J., & Park, H. (2022). Advanced writing skills through literary texts: An empirical study. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 12(2), 145-159. doi:10.1016/j.jeap.2022.05.002

Martinez, R., & Torres, L. (2021). Motivating ESL students through literature-based instruction. TESOL Quarterly, 55(1), 45-67. doi:10.1002/tesq.295

O’Malley, M., & Pierce, L. V. (1996). Authentic assessment for English language learners: Practical approaches for teachers. USA: Addison-Wesley Publishing.

Palardy, M. J. (1997). Another look at literature-based instruction. Education, 118(1), 67.

Paran, A. (2008). The role of literature in instructed foreign language learning and teaching: An evidence-based survey. Language Teaching, Cambridge University Press, 41(4), 465-496.

Peregoy, S. F., & Boyle, O. F. (2008). Reading, writing, and learning in ESL. USA: Pearson.

Popp, M. S. (1996). Teaching language and literature in elementary classrooms. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Raphael, T. F. (2004). Book club plus: Organizing your literacy curriculum to bring students to high levels of literacy. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Samara, D. J. (2002). Why reading literature in school still matters: Imagination, interpretation, insight. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Smith, J. A. (2005). Metacognitive abilities: Understanding and improving learning. Journal of Educational Psychology, 108(3), 187-192. doi:10.1037/0022-0663.108.3.187

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Tumblr
Reddit
Email
StumbleUpon
Digg

Ebaa Momany embarked on her journey as a language teacher 20 years ago, driven by a deep passion for fostering cross-cultural understanding through language education. Holding a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, she has deep interest in developing innovative teaching methodologies. As a certified Neurolanguage Coach®, Ebaa champions the belief that language acquisition is most effective in a relaxed, brain-friendly environment.
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7976-2654