Online Length Approach Writing As An Effective Way To Promote Second Language Acquisition

Previous researches found that English education was in the state of 'much input, little product' (Wang, 2000). Students were passive knowledge-receivers and teachers were instructors and authority. Interactive learning environments are in great need. In order to improve the situations, length approach writing was raised in 2000. Online length approach writing as a new method is employed in English classroom, aiming to increase students' English proficiency more effectively.The first part concerns on theories related to online length approach writing. The theories are based on three aspects. The first aspect is on theories of second language acquisition. Long-term English education is based on Krashen's 'input hypothesis', while Swain points out that learners acquire second language through 'comprehensible output'. More 'comprehensible output' enhances improvement on second language proficiency. The second aspect is of theories on writing. Writing as a form of 'comprehensible output', its meanings related with thoughts, cognition, and second language acquisition are explained out. The third aspect focuses on online writing and CALL theories. Online writing is low stakes writing, which encourages learners to practice more in writing. CALL theories provide possibilities for realization of online length approach writing. The second part further explains online length approach writing. Online length approach writing has its advantages: it employs tools of computer and the Internet (word processor, multimedia, searching engine, etc.); it emphasizes on process writing, which realizes the goal of transferring from 'learn to write' to 'write to learn'; it provides platform for wider communication, which goes beyond limits on time and space. For learners' contact with online length approach writing, a model was designed and the description for the design is given out in the third part. Theories and ideas related to CALL and designing principles are widely concerned in the design and maintenance of the system. Since there has not been a complete network system for length approach writing yet, the design and operation are in the beginning stage. Anyway, online length approach writing is of great potential, and further development on it is greatly expected.