School of Languages and Linguistics - Theses

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Collaborative writing: effects and perceptions of low proficiency EFL learners

ALOFI, WALID ( 2013)

This study investigated the benefits and students' perceptions of collaborative writing tasks in second language (L2). Previous research on collaborative writing, mainly with intermediate and advanced L2 learners, have found a positive effect for the activity on different aspects of writing. Building on this research, the current study examined the usefulness of collaborative writing for the written production of low proficiency L2 learners in a FL context. The study compared the texts written by 20 individuals and 20 pair. The texts were analysed quantitatively (for fluency, grammatical complexity, lexical complexity and accuracy) and qualitatively. In the collaborative mode, students were asked to work in self-selected pairs. Pairs were also surveyed about their perceptions of the experience of writing in pairs. The quantitative analysis showed that pairs wrote more lexically complex and longer texts than individuals, but no differences were found between the two groups in terms of grammatical complexity and accuracy. The qualitative analysis of the texts showed that both groups produced texts of similar quality. Almost all students were positive about pair work and found it useful in several ways. The pedagogical implications of the study as well as limitations and suggestions for future research are presented.