Developing EFL Learners' Writing Skills through the Online Multimedia Messaging Services Tutoring System (OT2MS)

Abstract

This mixed-methods study examines the effectiveness of the Online Tutoring Multimedia Messaging Services System (OT2MS) in enhancing the writing skills of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. Traditional classroom teaching methods can be challenging for EFL learners to achieve proficiency in writing, leading some teachers to adopt unconventional methods. The study’s general objective is to assess the pedagogical value of the OT2MS approach and report on its effectiveness in developing EFL learners’ writing skills. The study aims to assess the influence of the OT2MS method on learners’ interest in learning English, assess the effectiveness of the OT2MS process in improving learners’ writing skills, identify any difficulties encountered in using the OT2MS approach, and provide recommendations for overcoming those difficulties. The study uses purposive sampling to select 137 learners and 3 EFL instructors with access to the OT2MS technique. Data collection methods include questionnaires, focus groups, and observation. Quantitative data analysis is performed using SPSS 26, one-way ANOVA, t-tests, and qualitative data analysis using Creswell and Poth’s (2018) inductive 5-step spiral analysis method. The findings indicate that the OT2MS approach effectively develops learners’ interest in learning English and improves their writing skills. However, the study identifies difficulties the system can present, such as technical issues and a lack of personal interaction with the instructor. The study recommends that EFL instructors integrate the OT2MS technique into their teaching strategies, provide personalized feedback and incorporate interactive activities to enhance its effectiveness.

Cuvinte-cheie: sistemul OT2MS, competenţe de scriere şi redactare, învaţământ ALE, rendament şcolar, metode non-convenţionale

REZUMAT

Acest studiu, bazat pe metode mixte, examinează relevanța Sistemului de Servicii de Mesagerie Multimedia în Instruirea Online (OT2MS) pentru a îmbunătăți abilitățile de scriere ale celui care învaţă limba engleză ca limbă străină. Deoarece metodele convenționale de predare în clasă pot să nu fie eficiente pentru elevi, profesorii folosesc, din ce în ce mai mult, metode de predare neconvenționale, cum ar fi abordarea OT2MS, pentru a îmbunătăți nivelul de cunoaştere a limbii. Obiectivul principal al acestei cercetări este de a evalua valoarea educațională a sistemului OT2MS și de a determina eficiența acestuia în dezvoltarea abilităților de scriere ale elevilor. Mai precis, ea urmărește (1) să evalueze impactul acestei abordări asupra interesului elevilor în învățarea limbii engleze, (2) să evalueze eficacitatea acesteia în îmbunătățirea abilităților de scriere, (3) să identifice dificultățile întâmpinate la utilizarea acesteia și să propună recomandări pentru a remedia situaţia. Studiul a folosit eșantionarea intenționată pentru a selecta 137 de elevi care studiaţă engleza ca limbă străină și 3 instructori cu acces la sistemul OT2MS. Datele au fost colectate folosind chestionare, focus grupuri și observarea situaţiei. Datele cantitative au fost analizate folosind teste SPSS 26, ANOVA unidirecțional, în timp ce datele calitative au fost analizate folosind metoda de analiză inductivă în spirală, în 5 pași a lui Creswell și Poth (2018). Rezultatele au arătat că sistemul OT2MS a dezvoltat, în mod eficient, interesul elevilor de a învăța limba engleză și le-a îmbunătățit abilitățile de scriere. Cu toate acestea, au fost identificate și provocări, inclusiv probleme tehnice și lipsa interacțiunii personale cu instructorii. Astfel, instructorii ALE ar trebui să integreze sistemul OT2MS în strategiile lor de predare, să ofere feedback personalizat și să încorporeze activități interactive pentru a-i îmbunătăți eficacitatea.

LANGUAGE OF PUBLICATION

English

UDC: 811.111(072.8)

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Received: August 4, 2024 | Reviewed: August 15, 2024 | Accepted for publication: October 1, 2024

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