Research Output
Instagram as a digital tool to enhance students’ writing skills
The status of EFL writing instruction in Saudi Arabia
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Publication
Students often face difficulties in writing due to grammar, vocabulary, syntax, lack of
practice, over-reliance on their first language and writing anxiety. The traditional method
of teaching writing has no longer seen as adequate to fulfill the demand of the current
generation who are considered as digital native. This demand forces educators to explore
and integrate technology into their teaching approaches. Instagram, with it many fun
features; create, filter, share live videos are relatively easy to use tool and can be accessible
anytime and anywhere. Although many studies highlighted that Instagram can be an
effective pedagogical tool for developing learners’ vocabulary range and writing skills
(Akhiar, Mydin & Adi Kasuma, 2017; Shafie, Yaacob & Singh, 2016), but Instagram is not
commonly used in formal second language learning contexts. This paper promotes the use
of Instagram as a digital writing tool to enhance students’ writing skills. The researchers
provide suggestions of activities which allow students to observe selected Instagram
accounts by focusing on the topics/themes, the styles of writing and the purposes of their
writing. The activities teach students how to write each post by using the formula on
Instagram. Apart from that, students also learn to use captions and hashtags to intrigue
their audience
Publication
This paper examines the status of writing instruction among EFL learners in Saudi Arabia. It
attempted to highlight the current teaching methods and curriculum used to teach EFL writing in
Saudi Arabia. Findings revealed that the traditional teaching methods are still used for teaching EFL
writing skills in writing classes and the focus is on the form of the written product rather than on the
process of writing. The implementation of traditional teaching methods led to students’ low
achievement in writing skills among Saudi students. There are also other factors responsible for
writing difficulties such as cultural factors, sociocultural factors, and psychological factors. The paper
concludes with implications and suggestions given to the EFL instructors to enhance students’
abilities in writing skills and improve their writing achievements.