Blogging to engage: an action research study into

the use of blogging to enhance engagement with

writing and support the learning of adult EFL

students

by Suzanne Wood

A disengaged student:- is distracted- does not focus- has a negative attitude- is not enthusiastic

The teaching and learning context

Identifying a problem

Summary of mean band scores by first language

(Academic IELTS)

How Engaged with writing are my

students?

My study Where? Warwickshire College. ELT Dept Who? EFL students (intermediate level)

Focus group: 6 students What? A class blog When? Summer term, 2015

Period of study: 8 weeks Why? Research questions:

How engaged with writing are my students?

To what extent can blogging enhance student engagement in writing tasks?

To what extent is blogging a useful tool to support learning?

Overview of data collection

Emotional Engagement

Cognitive engagement

Behavioural Engagement

Observations:

Engaged students are:

- interested (ask questions)

- involved (participate)

- pay attention

- put in thought and effort

Blogging to support learning

• Student perception of enhanced reading and writing skills

• Increased confidence

• Sense of readership/language awareness

• Positive attitude towards writing tasks

Blogging enhances engagement with

writing• Collaboration

• Interaction

• Identifying problems

Limitations

• teaching and learning context

• time

• small scale study