Blogging Effect on English as a Foreign Language Writing Motivation: Blogging and Writing Motivation

Introduction

Writing as a productive skill in the foreign language learning process is a process and a product in which tangible and intellectual factors have an important role (Sokolik, 2003). Since the 1950s, writing instructions including process and project-based activities have become more common due to the change in paradigm from teacher-oriented instructions to learner-oriented instructions (Brown, 1987). Thus, in EFL classes, writing is used for controlling the learning process, minimizing errors, teaching punctuation, determining the English level of students, consolidating vocabulary, boosting memory and developing creative thinking skills (Nightingale, 1988). However, as Boscolo and Hidi (2007) underline, the lack of motivation in writing instruction is as one of the considerable problems to overcome. In addition, the environment in which the learner is expected to write is also one of the key factors for cultivating motivation.

The lack of motivation among learners causes certain problems regarding writing. First, learners consider writing difficult and have a common belief that they do not possess the intellectual capacity required to express themselves in written English (Erkan & Saban, 2011). Students have trouble with writing not just linguistically, but in a communicative manner as well (Ismail, 2011). Second, learners have negative attitudes towards writing; thus, they tend to see writing and its processes as time-consuming and tedious (Owston & Wideman, 1997). Third, because of the testing system, which does not include adequate writing sections, learners are likely to regard writing as unnecessary. In other words, learners focus more on reading comprehension and grammatical correctness owing to the demand of exams and curriculum (Huang, 2005). Last, while research shows the superiority of computer integrated writing instruction over traditional pen-paper writing in terms of motivation and achievement (Chuo, 2007; Owston & Wideman, 1997; Sullivan, & Pratt, 1996; Zhu et al., 2015), computer-based writing instruction has been neglected in EFL classes. In conclusion, by considering the studies that are in favor of positive settings for writing motivation, more attention is necessary for the environment in which learners are expected to write.

The latest technological developments have paved the way for the integration of writing and computers. This approach is reinforced by technology by providing both collaborative writing opportunities and skill development using computer-based programs. Teachers and students may benefit from all these innovations. As one of these tools, Weblog or its short form blog is an asynchronous means of communication and usually ascribed to John Barger who was one of the foremost bloggers in 1997 (Ducate & Lomicka, 2005). Considering the growing trend, blogs have become a very important tool and environment for communication among web users, which help the development of creative thinking, reading, writing, autonomy and collaboration. According to Ducate and Lomicka (2008), blogs contribute literacy in a number of ways, especially reading and writing skills, as they create a learning environment in which language learners can share and discuss their ideas. In addition to creating an interactive environment, blogs are helpful in terms of announcing assignments, keeping records, giving feedback and taking part in discussions, which enables teachers and students to access the information through virtual world whenever or wherever it is needed.