The Effect of Webfolios on Saudi EFL Students’ Self-Directed Learning Readiness

Samah Zakareya,Fawziah Al-Qahtani

doi:10.5539/ies.v13n5p150

Samah Zakareya, Fawziah Al-Qahtani

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v13n5p150

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Abstract

Webfolios, or web portfolios, are innovative learning tools. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of using webfolios on Saudi EFL students&rsquo; self-directed learning readiness. Participants were pretested on self-directed learning readiness before starting to work on their webfolios. They used Blackboard to create and use their webfolios. After the webfolios were completed, participants were posttested. A significant effect was found for webfolios on participants&rsquo; self-directed learning readiness. Consequently, it was concluded that webfolios should be used at college level to enhance students&rsquo; self-directed learning readiness. Some recommendations and suggestions for future research were introduced.

Highlights

1.1 Background to the ProblemSince we live in the Knowledge Age where there are endless change and extreme diversity and individuals must have the ability to create, use, and share knowledge, human beings need to continually acquire 21st century skills
One of such skills is self-directed learning (SDL), which enables individuals to successfully fulfill the requirements of constantly changing professions (Saxena, 2013)
It can be concluded that using webfolios improved Saudi EFL students’ SDL readiness. This result is supported by the results reached by Abrami et al (2013), Beckers et al (2016), Kicken et al (2009), Meyer et al (2010), and Ziegler and Moeller (2012) who found a positive effect for webfolios on students’ SDL

Summary

Introduction

Since we live in the Knowledge Age where there are endless change and extreme diversity and individuals must have the ability to create, use, and share knowledge, human beings need to continually acquire 21st century skills. One of such skills is self-directed learning (SDL), which enables individuals to successfully fulfill the requirements of constantly changing professions (Saxena, 2013). To become self-directed learners, students need to develop their ability to identify the demands of the task, assess their own knowledge and skills, develop their plan, check their progress, improve their strategies, and adjust their approaches to learning (Ambrose, Bridges, DiPietro, Lovett & Norman, 2010). SDL refers to the degree to which learners have the abilities, attitudes, and personality characteristics required for SDL (Fisher & King, 2010)

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