Improving accuracy in ESL students' writing through mini-conferences

النوع : Mémoire

This study is an experimental research study that aimed at improving accuracy of ESL students’ writing through mini-conferences. Three grammatical features: subject-verb agreement, verb tenses and pronoun referents were examined. Students’ ability to self-edit was explored across gender and proficiency level. A sample of 12 ESL students (studying English as a foreign language) in Arab Saleem Public High School participated in this experimental research. The errors of the three grammatical features under study were traced and counted in students’ essays prior to, during and in the post-test. Students’ scores in pre-test and post-test were compared. Questionnaires were filled before and after the treatment and their results were analyzed. The researcher offered one-to-one teaching, corrective feedback and micro-lessons throughout the mini-conferences. Data were analyzed through SPSS 17 using independent sample-t-tests, paired sample t- test, One­way ANOVA, Chi-2 and Fischer exact tests .Data analysis showed the efficacy of the treatment plan on students’ accuracy, ability to self-edit, and motivation towards writing with little variation according to the proficiency level and type of error.