Using Social Media to Enhance ESL Writing Skill among Gen-Z Learners

Nurazimah Aziz,Melor Md Yunus,Harwati Hashim

doi:10.4236/ce.2019.1012226

Abstract

English as a Second Language (ESL) in Malaysia faces many challenges due to multicultural and environmental factors such as lack of interactive speaking environment, lack of exposure, and unconvincing of teaching and learning method. Moreover, the evolutions of the generations contribute a great impact to the changes in our education sector especially in terms of teaching and learning process. It is important to understand basic needs and distinctions across generation for developing pedagogy that reaches the unique population. Currently, the wave of latest generation entered and occupied in most sectors including industrial and educational sectors are known and recognised as Generation Z. Therefore, this paper reviews the needs of Gen Z that would be essential in contributing to a successful teaching and learning method in ESL lesson. This paper also discusses further about the strategies utilised by successful language learner among Gen Z which is the use of social media as a medium of interaction in enhancing writing skill. In conclusion, this study proposes a new alternative in conducting writing activity during ESL lesson for a continuous learning process.

Highlights

Malaysia is one of the countries colonized by the British Empire; it inherits English as a second official language
This paper reviews the needs of Gen Z that would be essential in contributing to a successful teaching and learning method in English as a Second Language (ESL) lesson
The challenges and limitations need to be taken into consideration as most of the learners were found hesitant to use English in their writing due to psychological factors where they do not have the motivation and lead to low self-confidence

Summary

Introduction

Malaysia is one of the countries colonized by the British Empire; it inherits English as a second official language. In the early years of the pre-independence era, the changes in the language policies were necessary to illustrate the future of the young nation. These changes were supposed to be fundamental in establishing Malaysia as a multiethnic and multicultural nation. Most Malaysians are still facing difficulties in applying the language academically and communicatively. In this globalised era of borderless information and technology, most of the job seekers agreed that the importance of acquiring the skills of English communication is compulsory to get a job (Zubaidah Awang & Shaidatul Akma, 2008). There should be an initiative to encourage language learners to acquire communicative fluency by applying any accessible language learning strategies due to lack of exposure in English language

Technology in ESL Classroom

Social Media

Writing Skill

Conclusion