Chapter 9. Writing to learn in FL contexts
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Rosa M. Manchón
and Julio Roca de Larios
Abstract
The study reported in this chapter set out to investigate 18 EFL learners’ own perceptions of the language learning potential of L2 writing, and the actions they reported taking to make the most of the learning opportunities afforded by their engagement with writing. Data for the study came from self-reflection journals and in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted at two points in time 9 months apart. Our results shed light on the role played by self-initiated and teacher-led noticing processes and associated learning actions, extensive and challenging output practice, and the availability of tailor-made form-focused instruction in bringing about learning through writing. The participants’ own perceptions of the language learning potential of writing was also found to be both a powerful motivating factor in their literacy experience and one of the goals that guided their writing activity. Several implications of these findings for future research will be discussed.
Abstract
The study reported in this chapter set out to investigate 18 EFL learners’ own perceptions of the language learning potential of L2 writing, and the actions they reported taking to make the most of the learning opportunities afforded by their engagement with writing. Data for the study came from self-reflection journals and in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted at two points in time 9 months apart. Our results shed light on the role played by self-initiated and teacher-led noticing processes and associated learning actions, extensive and challenging output practice, and the availability of tailor-made form-focused instruction in bringing about learning through writing. The participants’ own perceptions of the language learning potential of writing was also found to be both a powerful motivating factor in their literacy experience and one of the goals that guided their writing activity. Several implications of these findings for future research will be discussed.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface ix
-
Introduction
- Chapter 1. Situating the learning-to-write and writing-to-learn dimensions of L2 writing 3
-
Part I. Learning-to-write and writing-to-learn
- Chapter 2. Learning to write 17
- Chapter 3. Writing to learn in content areas 37
- Chapter 4. Writing to learn the language 61
-
Part II. Learning-to-write and writing-to-learn
- Chapter 5. Learning to write in a second language 85
- Chapter 6. Writing to learn and learning to write by shuttling between languages 111
- Chapter 7. Beyond writing as language learning or content learning 133
- Chapter 8. The language learning potential of form-focused feedback on writing 159
- Chapter 9. Writing to learn in FL contexts 181
- Chapter 10. Exploring the learning potential of writing development in heritage language education 209
-
Conclusion
- Chapter 11. Reflections on the learning-to-write and writing-to-learn dimensions of second language writing 237
- Contributors’ biodata 251
- Authors index 255
- Thematic index 259
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface ix
-
Introduction
- Chapter 1. Situating the learning-to-write and writing-to-learn dimensions of L2 writing 3
-
Part I. Learning-to-write and writing-to-learn
- Chapter 2. Learning to write 17
- Chapter 3. Writing to learn in content areas 37
- Chapter 4. Writing to learn the language 61
-
Part II. Learning-to-write and writing-to-learn
- Chapter 5. Learning to write in a second language 85
- Chapter 6. Writing to learn and learning to write by shuttling between languages 111
- Chapter 7. Beyond writing as language learning or content learning 133
- Chapter 8. The language learning potential of form-focused feedback on writing 159
- Chapter 9. Writing to learn in FL contexts 181
- Chapter 10. Exploring the learning potential of writing development in heritage language education 209
-
Conclusion
- Chapter 11. Reflections on the learning-to-write and writing-to-learn dimensions of second language writing 237
- Contributors’ biodata 251
- Authors index 255
- Thematic index 259