Second Language Writing as A Way to Build Up Confidence in Adult Learners

Authors : Olga Litvinova

Pages : 21-31

View : 59 | Download : 209

Publication Date : 2023-06-30

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :Adult students are known to experience a range of psychological barriers in foreign language learning. Writing seems to present the greatest number of challenges as apart from the linguistic issues related to the proper use of grammar and vocabulary. Even learners at more advanced levels are faced with finding their own voice and writing style for communicating ideas in an authentic way. In the present paper, the author argues that teachers working with adult learners can create a safe supportive environment for adult writers provided they are aware of psychological challenges facing adults due to prior negative learning experiences where the major focus was on mistake correction rather than growing a learner’s confidence as a language user and a writer. Offered and introduced cautiously, writing activities are capable of boosting an adult’s self-confidence and even serving as a vehicle for creative self-exploration, which might potentially increase a learner’s general well-being. Rather than focusing on the target language alone, tasks have to be tailored to a student’s personality and draw on their own experiences allowing their multiple identities to be discovered and negotiated in writing. For a student to build up their confidence while working with meaningful tasks, teachers have to be empathetic readers providing feedback aimed not only at improving his/her language skills but also at boosting their overall confidence to use their English writing to reach out to a wider world, which might also grow their resilience— particularly at times of. global turbulence. The author suggests writing activities which are designed with the above considerations in mind and can be used as part of a writing course supplementing a language curriculum or as a stand-alone course for speakers of any languages.
Keywords : Yazma, L2 yazma, yazma eğitimi, yaratıcı yazma, kimlik, düzeltici geribildirim

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