Investigating Academic Writing in EFL Contexts: Students’ Voices on Complexities and Coping Strategies

Sania Alinda Mouli Asnas*  -  English Language Teaching, Universitas Islam Malang, Indonesia
Mutmainnah Mustofa  -  English Language Teaching, Universitas Islam Malang, Indonesia
M. Faruq Ubaidillah  -  English Language Teaching, Universitas Islam Malang, Indonesia

(*) Corresponding Author

This research aimed to investigate students’ voices regarding the complexities that contribute to challenges and the coping strategies that address academic writing challenges they use in academic writing. Through a qualitative method, four female students majoring in English Education in the eighth semester at a private university in Indonesia were chosen as participants in this study's interview. Data analysis techniques employed include analyzing the data, coding the data, and interpreting the data. The findings indicated that twelve complexities contributed, namely learners’ low motivation, lack of lecturers’ feedback, lack of translation, lack of references, lack of time, lack of research background, low students' self-confidence, lack of experience in writing, lack of proficiency in reading, lack of critical thinking skill, lack of proper preparation in writing, and lack of a supportive writing learning environment. Students used twelve coping strategies for organization, ideas development, vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics. These strategies included exercises, feedback, reading academic papers, extensive reading, Google Translate, QuillBot, Grammarly, and Mendeley for arranging academic style. The implication of this research has been discussed here.

Keywords: academic writing; English students; voices

  1. Abbasi, W. T., Ahmad, M. M., & Mohammed, F. A. E. (2019). Learners’ Perceptions of Monolingual Dictionaries in Learning English as a Foreign Language. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 7(3), 10. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.7n.3p.10
  2. Ahmetoglu, Y., Brumby, D. P., & Cox, A. L. (2021). To Plan or Not to Plan ? A Mixed-Methods Diary Study Examining When, How and Why Knowledge Work Planning is Inaccurate. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 4((CSCW3)), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1145/3432921
  3. Al Hilali, T. S., & McKinley, J. (2021). Exploring the socio-contextual nature of workplace writing: Towards preparing learners for the complexities of English L2 writing in the workplace. English for Specific Purposes, 63, 86–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2021.03.003 Alkhuzaee, F. S., Al-Mehmadi, A. A., Al-Sehly, A. A., Nahari, M. H., Al-Muwallad, M. A., & Ali, M. (2019). Identifying the facilitators and barriers for scientific writing among pharmacy students in College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University – A qualitative study. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 11(12), 1265–1273. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2019.09.004
  4. Altınmakas, D., & Bayyurt, Y. (2019). An exploratory study on factors influencing undergraduate students’ academic writing practices in Turkey. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 37, 88–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeap.2018.11.006
  5. Aslan, S., & Aybek, B. (2020). Testing the Effectiveness of Interdisciplinary Curriculum-Based Multicultural Education on Tolerance and Critical Thinking Skill. International Journal of Educational Methodology, 6(1), 43–55. https://doi.org/10.12973/ijem.6.1.43
  6. Barokah, A. I., & Lisdawati, I. (2023). The Use of Google Scholar in Writing Research Paper of Qualitative Research in Language. PROJECT (Professional Journal of English Education), 6(1), 8–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.22460/project.v6i1.p8-12
  7. Barus, I. R. G., Simanjuntak, M. B., & Resmayasari, I. (2021). Reading Literacies through Evieta-Based Learning Material: Students' Perceptions (Study Case Taken from Vocational School–IPB University). Journal of Advanced English Studies, 4(1), 15–20. https://doi.org/10.47354/jaes.v4i1.98
  8. Blazquez, M., & Fan, C. (2019). The efficacy of spell check packages specifically designed for second language learners of Spanish. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 27(2), 847–861.
  9. Borodina, M., Golubeva, T. I., Korotaeva, I. E., Shumakova, S. Y., Bessonova, T. V., & Zharov, A. N. (2021). Impact of the Google Translate Machine Translation System on the Quality of Training Student Translators. Webology, 18(Special Issue), 68–78. https://doi.org/10.14704/WEB/V18SI05/WEB18214
  10. Brown, H. D. & Abeywickrama, P. (2019). Language Assessment: principles and classroom practices. Pearson
  11. Brún, C. De. (2023). A Critical Approach to Overcoming Resistance to Academic Writing and Building Confidence in Third Level Students. All Ireland Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (AISHE-J), 15(1), 1–20.
  12. Budjalemba, A. S., & Listyani, L. (2020). Factors Contributing To Students Difficulties in Academic Writing Class: Students Perceptions. UC Journal: ELT, Linguistics and Literature Journal, 1(2), 135–149. https://doi.org/10.24071/uc.v1i2.2966
  13. Bui, H. P., Nguyen, L. T., & Nguyen, T. V. (2023). An investigation into EFL pre-service teachers’ academic writing strategies. Heliyon, 9(3), e13743. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13743
  14. Chandra, S. O., & Yuyun, I. (2018). the Use of Google Translate in Efl Essay Writing. LLT Journal: A Journal on Language and Language Teaching, 21(2), 228–238. https://doi.org/10.24071/llt.v21i2.1539
  15. Chung, E. S., & Ahn, S. (2021). The effect of using machine translation on linguistic features in L2 writing across proficiency levels and text genres. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 0(0), 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2020.1871029
  16. Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed.). Sage Publications Inc.
  17. Fitriana, K., & Nurazni, L. (2022). Exploring Students’ Perception of Using Grammarly to Check Grammar in Their Writing. JET (Journal of English Teaching), 8(1), 15–25. https://doi.org/10.33541/jet.v8i1.3044Haerazi, H., & Irawan, L. A. (2019). Practicing Genre-Based Language Teaching Model to Improve Students’ Achievement of Writing Skills. IJELTAL (Indonesian Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics), 4(1), 9–18. https://doi.org/10.21093/ijeltal.v4i1.246
  18. Haerazi, & Irawan, L. A. (2020). The effectiveness of ECOLA technique to improve reading comprehension in relation to motivation and self-efficacy. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 15(1), 61–76. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v15i01.11495
  19. Harb, F., Al-Shredi, N., Balhouq, H., & Ethelb, H. (2022). The Role of Critical Thinking in Enhancing EFL MA Surdents’ Academic Writing Outcomes: A Survey Study. Journal of the College of Languages, 1(25), 125–104. http://uot.edu.ly/journals/index.php/flj/article/view/212
  20. Indah, R. N., Toyyibah, Budhiningrum, A. S., & Afifi, N. (2022). The Research Competence, Critical Thinking Skills and Digital Literacy of Indonesian EFL Students. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 13(2), 315–324. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1302.11
  21. Irfan, Soefandi, & Vianty, M. (2020). Technological Knowledge Application on Academic. ENGLISH REVIEW: Journal of English Education, 9(1), 157–166. https://doi.org/10.25134/erjee.v9i1.3788
  22. Islamiyah, M., & Al Fajri, M. S. (2020). Investigating Indonesian master’s students’ perception of critical thinking in academic writing in a British university. Qualitative Report, 25(12), 4402–4422. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2020.4058Japah, V., & Sri-utumporn, P. R. (2020). Problems of Writing a Descriptive Essay for Thai Students. Journal of Teaching English, 1(3), 1–10. https://so10.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jote/article/view/483
  23. Lee, S. M. (2020). The impact of using machine translation on EFL students’ writing. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 33(3), 157–175. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2018.1553186
  24. Li, S., & Vuono, A. (2019). Twenty-five years of research on oral and written corrective feedback in System. System, 84, 93–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2019.05.006
  25. Lin, L. H. F., & Morrison, B. (2021). Challenges in academic writing: Perspectives of Engineering faculty and L2 postgraduate research students. English for Specific Purposes, 63, 59–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2021.03.004
  26. Mauludin, L. A. (2020). Joint construction in genre-based writing for students with higher and lower motivation. Southern African Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, 38(1), 46–59. https://doi.org/10.2989/16073614.2020.1750965
  27. McKinley, J. (2019). English L2 Writing in International Higher Education. Qualitative Research Topics in Language Teacher Education, 104–109. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429461347-17
  28. Min, J. (2021). Research on the application of computer intelligent proofreading system in college english teaching. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1915(3). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1915/3/032078
  29. Moses, R. N., & Mohamad, M. (2019). Challenges Faced by Students and Teachers on Writing Skills in ESL Contexts: A Literature Review. Creative Education, 10(13), 3385–3391. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2019.1013260
  30. Musk, N. (2022). Using online translation tools in computer-assisted collaborative EFL writing Using online translation tools in computer-assisted. Classroom Discourse, 13(2), 119–144. https://doi.org/10.1080/19463014.2021.2025119
  31. Noori, A. (2020). An Investigation of Afghan Undergraduate English Major Students’ Academic Writing Difficulties. Journal of Foreign Language Teaching and Learning, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.18196/ftl.5249
  32. Nurmayanti, N., & Suryadi. (2023). The Effectiveness Of Using Quillbot In Improving Writing For Students Of English Education Study Program. Jurnal Teknologi Pendidikan, 8(1), 32–40. https://doi.org/10.33394/jtp.v8i1.6392
  33. Paricahua, E. W. P., Muñoz, S. A. S., Paricahua, A. K. P., Arias-Gonzáles, J. L., Mamani, W. C., Guzman, C. J. A., Flores, W. H. B., Lipa, J. P. T., Velasquez, Z. V., Cáceres-Chávez, M. del R., & Carranza, C. P. M. (2022). Research Competencies: A Comparative Study in Public and Private Universities. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 2022(99), 297–312. https://doi.org/10.14689/ejer.2022.99.018
  34. Patak, A. A., & Tahir, M. (2019). Avoiding plagiarism using Mendeley in Indonesian higher education setting. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 8(4), 686–692. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v8i4.20268
  35. Pawlak, M. (2018). Grammar learning strategy inventory (GLSI): Another look. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 8(2 Special Issue), 351–379. https://doi.org/10.14746/ssllt.2018.8.2.8
  36. Putri, N., & Aminatun, D. (2021). Using Facebook To Practice Writing Skill: What Do the Students Think? Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning, 2(Vol 2, No 1 (2021): JELTL), 45–50. https://doi.org/10.33365/jeltl.v2i1.852
  37. Rezaei, K., & Marandi, S. S. (2022). A Socio-Cognitive Approach Toward Source-Based Writing Instruction : Professors ’ Perceptions and Current Constraints. Journal of Language Horizons, 6(2), 7–30. https://doi.org/10.22051/lghor.2021.34247.1413
  38. Rohmah, N., & Muslim, A. B. (2021). Writing Anxiety in Academic Writing Practice : Insights from EFL Learners ’ Perspectives. 546(Conaplin 2020), 348–354. https://doi.org/ 10.2991/assehr.k.210427.053
  39. Sajjad, I., Sarwat, S., Imran, M., & Khuram Shahzad, S. (2021). Examining The Academic Writing Challenges Faced By University Students In Kfueit. The Academic Writing Challenges Faced By University Students in Kfueit. Pjaee, 18(10), 1759–1777. https://archives.palarch.nl/index.php/jae/article/view/10082
  40. Singh, M. K. M. (2019). Academic reading and writing challenges among international EFL master’s students in a Malaysian university: The voice of lecturers. Journal of International Students, 9(4), 972–992. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v9i3.934
  41. Soemer, A., & Schiefele, U. (2019). Text difficulty, topic interest, and mind wandering during reading. Learning and Instruction, 61(May 2018), 12–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2018.12.006
  42. Sukma, E. M., Lubis, N., Dewi, U., & Estate, M. (2023). Quillbot As An AI-powered English Writing Assistant : An Alternative For Students to Write English. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Sastra Inggris, 3(2), 188–199. https://doi.org/10.55606/jupensi.v3i2.2026
  43. Sun, T., & Wang, C. (2020). College students ’ writing self-ef fi cacy and writing self- regulated learning strategies in learning English as a foreign language. System, 90, 102221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2020.102221
  44. Suryanudin, M. (2020). An Influential Technological Assistance: Consulting English Monolingual Dictionary Application in Evaluating Student’s English Writing. Education and Linguistics Knowledge Journal, 2(2), 38–51. https://doi.org/10.32503/edulink.v2i2.1162
  45. Yang, Y.-H., Tseng, W.-T., & Chu, H.-C. (2021). Text Difficulty in Extensive Reading: Reading Comprehension and Reading Motivation. Reading in a Foreign Language, 33(1), 78–102. https://hdl.handle.net/10125/67394
  46. Zhou, S., McKinley, J., Rose, H., & Xu, X. (2022). English medium higher education in China: challenges and ELT support. ELT Journal, 76(2), 261–271. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccab082

Open Access Copyright (c) 2023 Sania Alinda Mouli Asnas
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Vision: Journal of Language and Foreign Language Learning is indexed by

    

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

View My Stats

Publisher
English Education Department,
Faculty of Education and Teacher Training,
Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang
Jl. Prof Hamka Ngaliyan Semarang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia

apps