Extending EFL Experiences through Response-Oriented Journal Writing upon Poetry

Extending EFL Experiences through Response-Oriented Journal Writing upon Poetry

This study was conducted to explore the possibility and potential of developing a new EFL (English as a Foreign language) curriculum which aims to promote foreign language learning and enhance students’ understanding of the world. For this purpose, the study examined the integration of poetry and dialogue journal writing within an EFL curriculum. The Data collection consisted of a survey, interviews, samples of dialogue journal writing, a classroom video recording, the classroom teacher’s journal and the researcher’s field note and journal. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to address the research question: What happens when EFL students read poetry within a response-oriented framework? Data analysis revealed that: 1) The students showed positive attitudes and beliefs toward using poetry through response-based instruction, 2) Students perceived that poetry and dialogue journal writing were a good resource for promoting English language, and 3) Students extended their learning experiences through their transactional readings of poetry. The study suggests that poetry and dialogue journal writing hold the potential to develop EFL curricula.