Using Language Learning Strategies in Enhancing the Writing Skill The Case of EFL Learners at the Intensive Language Teaching Centre of Mostaganem University

Abstract

ince the 1970s, research on language learning strategies (LLSs) has been prolific, varied and diverse. Despite the huge body of research in the field of LLSs in relation to language proficiency, little has been paid to their usefulness in improving the writing skill. For this reason, the first part of this study aims to examine LLSs used by Algerian EFL learners in relation to their level of proficiency at the Intensive Language Teaching Centre of Mostaganem University. It also focuses on whether EFL learners use writing strategies when they compose in English. The results show that EFL learners are medium users of LLSs and no significant difference is found between learners of different levels of proficiency. The findings also reveal that elementary, intermediate and advanced learners use writing strategies in a similar way and the difference is insignificant. The second part of the investigation is devoted to integrate some strategies, such as cooperative learning strategies, cognitive, compensation, metacognitive, affective and social strategies in paragraph writing through implementing Strategy Based Instruction (SBI) and De Silva (2010) Writing Strategy Instruction Circle to help student writers regulate and improve their writing. Quantitative analyses follow the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) (2003) writing rubrics. Qualitative analyses adopt Grabe and Kaplan (1996) and Sercombe (2002) frameworks that include the sentential and intersentential aspects of the text. Quantitative results reveal students’ improvement of paragraph writing after implementing SBI; while, qualitative results show that learners’ writings suffer from many sentential and intersentential problems. To triangulate this study, interviews were conducted to assess their knowledge and use of writing strategies. All students were positive towards SBI and favoured the usefulness of LLSs in improving the writing skill.