The Effectiveness of Writing Circles Strategy in Developing Academic Writing Skills in EFL Classrooms

Abstract

This is an experimental study aiming to explore the effect of applying ‘Writing Circles’ strategy (WCs) in writing classrooms. WCs strategy is a type of collaborative methodology that relies heavily on peer- based collaborative learning. The study aimed to give a group of not less than 20 students from the college of languages and translation, Najran University, a chance to apply writing circles to explore how it affects their progress in writing. It also aimed to explore the role of WCs in scaffolding students’ communicative performance. Both quantitative and qualitative data analyses were employed in this research. Quantitative analysis of the study data was related to students’ performance, while qualitative data concerned students’ perceptions about their experiences in writing study and WCs application. Pre- and post-tests were given to the participants in order to check their progress after the application of the strategy. This parallel data, tests and reflection sheets, led to compatible results that proved WCs’s positive contribution to writing classrooms. It has a remarkable role in reinforcing writing skills, promoting interaction, and developing students’ communicative skills. Furthermore, the data showed students enjoyed working collaboratively in WCs which reflects positive and active atmosphere for language classrooms.