A proposed strategy based on service learning to develop English functional writing skills for secondary stage learners

Abstract EN

In the era of globalization, writing in English has become a necessity for the present and the future, as it is used in many aspects of our daily life: education, work, scientific research and communication.

According to the World Bank Report (2003) writing in English is considered a knowledge economy skill.

The National Curriculum Framework for EFL for Ministry of Education of Egypt (2012) is in line with international trends, to include proficiency in functional writing in the English language as one of the learning outcomes of secondary school students.

Out of the researcher’s experience as EFL teacher for secondary stage, and through revisiting the recent local researches in the field of teaching and learning EFL writing skills (Bahgat, 2011; Elsayed, 2012; Ibraheem, 2016; Khodary , 2010; Salem, 2013; Shadi, 2015; Suleiman, 2015), and by conducting an exploratory study, the low EFL functional writing skills proficiency for secondary students was evident.

The present study investigated the effectiveness of service learning strategy in developing the EFL functional writing skills for the secondary stage students.

The study adopted a quasi-experimental approach employing one group design.

The participants were twenty-three students in second secondary at Mostafa Kamel Governmental Language School, Omrania zone, Giza Governorate.

Data collection instruments included a pre-posttest of EFL functional writing skills (book review, report and letter).

The experiment lasted for 10 weeks in the second term of the academic year 2017-2018.

The results showed a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the pre- posttests in overall EFL functional writing skills in favor of the posttest results.

Hence, the effectiveness of service learning was proved in developing the EFL functional writing skills of the second secondary students.