A Study On EFL Writing Strategy Training In The Internet-Based Length Approach

The purpose of this thesis is to show the great potential of integrating strategy training into the Internet-based Length Approach. The thesis starts with the introduction of some relevant theories and researches about learning strategies, strategy training, the Length Approach and CALL, making it clear that it is necessary to implement strategy training in the Internet-based Length Approach. In the following part, an empirical study is conducted with two natural classes enrolled on September, 2005 (one as the experimental class and the other as the control class, each having 30 students) from Chinese Department at Putian University in Fujian Province to investigate the effects of strategy training in the Internet-based Length Approach. The experiment lasts for one academic year. Both classes follow the Internet-based Length Approach instruction for their English writing course. However, the experimental class also receives specially designed strategies-based instructions. Questionnaires, long essay writing tasks and tests are adopted as instruments. Then in the fourth part, the data collected are put into computer and analyzed together with the researcher's interpretation. In the final part, conclusions are drawn from the statistical analysis. The results confirm the hypothesis that well-designed strategy training in the Internet-based Length Approach has positive effects on EFL learners' use level of writing strategies and online learning strategies, their long essay writing proficiency, and their overall English competence. The response from Questionnaire III after the experiment shows that learners equipped with strategy training have more positive attitudestowards the Internet-based Length Approach than those who don't receive training. It is hoped that the findings in this paper can give some insights into efficacy of strategy training on EFL learners' writing proficiency and finally on overall English competence and that other EFL teachers who are interested in writing teaching may consider employing strategy training into writing course.