THE EFFECTIVENESS OF USING CORPUS ON WRITING OF LIBYAN EFL LEARNERS /
AMEL FARAJ LUSTA ; SUPERVISOR, PROF. DR ÖZCAN DEMIREL ; CO-SUPERVISOR, ASSOC. PROF. DR. BEHBOOD MOHAMMADZADEH
- 158 sheets ; 30 cm +1 CD ROM
Thesis (PhD) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research English Language Teaching
This study investigates the effects of mobile data-driven learning (M-DDL) on the writing performance of intermediate EFL learners in Libya. M-DDL is a learning approach that uses corpora to provide learners with contextualised examples of language use via mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Corpora are large collections of authentic language texts that have been compiled and analysed to identify patterns of language use. The mobility afforded by M-DDL gives learners greater flexibility in how and when they interact with corpora to support their language learning. A sample of 50 intermediate EFL learners was recruited and assigned to either the experimental M-DDL group (n = 26) or the control group (n = 24). A mixed-methods approach was adopted, involving quantitative measures such as pre-, post-, and delayed post-tests, as well as a questionnaire survey, alongside qualitative data collection through focus group interviews, to gather comprehensive data. Statistical analysis of the post-test scores revealed significant gains in writing performance for the M-DDL group. Improvements were sustained over two months following the intervention. Learners were reported to have positive attitudes towards the corpus and M-DDL. However, some participants had trouble using the corpus, such as with cut-off sentences and issues with the analysis of concordance outputs. Overall, the findings imply that the integration of DDL into the core curriculum proved remarkably suited to learners’ needs. Therefore, this study demonstrates the viability of implementing DDL in everyday EFL classrooms using existing tools with minimal training required for ordinary teachers and students. Undoubtedly, M-DDL has a positive bearing on students’ learning.
English Language--Study and teaching--Dissertations, Academic