Innovating Selection and Use of Online Writing Resources for EFL Students: A Systemic Functional Linguistic Perspective

Authors

  • Xiaodong Zhang Beijing Foreign Studies University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v13i09.7910

Keywords:

On-line resources, EFL, meaning-making theory, academic writing

Abstract


This study reports on how teachers’ systemic functional linguistics (SFL)-based selection and use of on-line writing resources impacted students’ perceptions of on-line resources and their writing performance. Through a case study of students from one academic writing course in an urban university in China and primarily qualitative analysis of interviews with students, written artifacts, and students’ reflections, it was found that the selection and use of on-line learning resources, guided by the teacher’s SFL perspective on writing as a meaning-making process, facilitated students’ transition. That is, students gained a principled perspective on the use of on-line resources and were able to use pertinent knowledge in producing effective academic writing. The study concludes that the pedagogical use of on-line resources, when supported by SFL, could transform students’ perception of the value of on-line materials and improve their self-efficacy as academic writers.

Author Biography

Xiaodong Zhang, Beijing Foreign Studies University

Xiaodong Zhang is assistant professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University. He holds a PhD degree in linguistics from University of Georgia, USA. His work has appeared in international journals, such as Linguistics and Education (Elsevier), and Journal of language and cultural education (De Gruyter)

Downloads

Published

2018-09-29

How to Cite

Zhang, X. (2018). Innovating Selection and Use of Online Writing Resources for EFL Students: A Systemic Functional Linguistic Perspective. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 13(09), pp. 136–147. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v13i09.7910

Issue

Section

Papers