Synchronous collaborative writing instruction in a university EFL context: Challenges and solutions

Main Article Content

Panachanok Chanwaiwit
Bhornsawan Inpin

Abstract

This study explored EFL instructors’ perceptions and practices to identify challenges of teaching synchronous collaborative writing (SCW) and then proposed solutions to the problems. The instructor survey of practices in online English writing instruction was sent to 52 instructors from 15 regional universities in Thailand; 51 responded to the survey and, after selection, 24 participants were included. Data also included classroom observations and interviews. The participants felt unprepared to teach SCW because of insufficient online pedagogical skills in engaging students in the classroom and a lack of technology skills in managing online classrooms, facilitating real-time collaborative writing and giving objective formative assessments. The findings suggest that EFL instructors improve their teaching quality regarding student engagement, goals, content, tools, classroom management strategies, instructor and student roles, SCW activities and assessment. These discoveries enable educators to develop contextualised guidelines for SCW practices and suggest initial preparation for EFL cyber education.


Keywords: Online learning challenges, synchronous collaborative writing, EFL writing teaching practices, EFL writing instruction

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Article Details

How to Cite
Chanwaiwit, P. ., & Inpin, B. . (2021). Synchronous collaborative writing instruction in a university EFL context: Challenges and solutions. World Journal on Educational Technology: Current Issues, 13(4), 721–739. https://doi.org/10.18844/wjet.v13i4.6259
Section
Articles
Author Biography

Panachanok Chanwaiwit, Mae Fah Luang University, School of Liberal Arts, Chiang Rai,  Thailand