Language Learning Context, Learning Style and Iranian EFL Students’ Essay Writing Performance: A Critical Thinking Perspective in a Web. 2.0 Environment

Abstract

This study attempted to identify and check how language learning context, and learning style in a web 2.0 environment could affect Iranian EFL students’ essay writing performance from a critical thinking perspective. To this end, 90 male and female EFL learners at the upper intermediate level of language proficiency from Payamnoor University selected and were divided into two equal group; first the experimental which received web based teaching method through Wiki space on the internet and second the control group with traditional method of writing in class. The selected material for both group was Researching Second Language Classroom by Sandra Lee M.C. Kay, published in 2008. Both groups received the material during 10 sessions of 120 minutes. The data collected through pretest/ posttest assessment and analyzed t-test procedure by using statistic package of social science (SPSS) demonstrated that experimental group had a better performance in writing than the control group. Confirming the benefits of using web2.0 in writing, the research findings are helpful to improving the writing ability of Iranian English learners.