Teacher reflections on implementing a learning cycle in EFL writing classes
Abstract
This action research study began with classroom observations of a learning cycle informed English as a Foreign Language writing class (referred to as the first learning context) for the purposes of creating a general how-to guide for implementing a learning cycle within a writing course. The guide was then implemented in a writing skills class in a different educational context (referred to as the second learning context). A learning cycle was introduced to help learners become more accustomed to peer-editing, giving peer feedback, performing self-assessments and being more critical of their own work. It was found that the learning cycle functioned very differently in the second learning context and not entirely as intended, despite modifications that were made to account for differences between the two learning contexts. Teacher reflections revealed that differences between the reasons for using a learning cycle, assumptions about the similarities between learning contexts (the two courses and their content), decisions regarding changes to the second contexts’ learning materials, differences in student population and other unforeseen differences affected how the learning cycle operated. Critical interactions with sample performance writing texts, the provision or collaborative development of assessment criteria and feedback prompts for peer-editing, materials which support reflection on each task and at the end of the course, and additional class time spent on reflective discussion are all identified as key components of a learning cycle when used in an EFL writing class. The reflections also revealed that learning cycles can have utility when applied to contexts vastly different to those from where they were developed. Recommendations and suggested supporting resources for teachers interested in implementing learning cycles within their own contexts are provided.
- Journal
- Writing and Pedagogy
- Published
- 2021-03-17
- DOI
- 10.1558/wap.34062
- CompPile
- Search in CompPile ↗
- Open Access
- Closed
- Topics
- Export
- BibTeX RIS
Citation Context
Cited by in this index (1)
-
Sims et al. (2022)Writing and Pedagogy
Cites in this index (0)
No references match articles in this index.
Related Articles
-
Pedagogy Oct 2024rhetorical criticism first-year composition writing pedagogy basic writing writing across the curriculum graduate education two-year college service learning teacher development revision argument collaborative writing assessment writing program administration multimodality multilingual writers literacy studies race and writing disability studies community literacy editorial matter
-
Pedagogy Oct 2021rhetorical criticism discourse analysis writing pedagogy graduate education two-year college teacher development collaborative writing transfer assessment labor and working conditions multimodality social media online writing instruction multilingual writers literacy studies race and writing gender and writing public rhetoric community literacy affect and writing literary studies editorial matter
-
College Composition and Communication May 1996Suzy Q. Groden; Eleanor Kutz; Vivian Zamel
-
Pedagogy Jan 2026Krysten Stein; Kishonna Gray
-
Assessing Writing Jan 2026Albert W. Li; Steve Graham