Investigating Effective Techniques for Teaching Sudanese EFL Learners Writing Skill

Abstract

This study aims at investigating the effect of using of visual aids (graphics) and classroom interaction (i.e. pair work and small group discussion) techniques for teaching writing skill. And it also examined the quality and adequacy of writing activities provided in SPINE Series. The study employed the experimental and descriptive research methods where the researcher used visual aids in the experimental group to help to get ideas to write about and to help explain how different pieces of information are connected, while visual aids were not used at all in the control group. A random sample composed of three hundred (300) male and female students in 3rd year at Mussa Aldow secondary school for boys and Omdurman secondary school for girls (Omdurman locality).The study included a random sampling composed of forty (40) male and female EFL teachers. The researcher used pre and post-test, a questionnaire, textbooks analyses and classroom observation as tools for data collecting, and also used Statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) computer program for data analysis. The following are the most important findings which came out of the research: -Classroom interaction via pair work and small group discussion of writing activities motivate students to write. - Poor and inadequate writing activities in the textbooks. - A marked improvement in the writing performance of students who were taught by using visual aids. - A variety of teaching methods should be included. - There is a need for further reviewing of the writing activities in SPINE and incorporation of authentic materials particularly material for developing writing skills. - More time should be allocated for teaching writing skill at secondary schools. - Break down large classes into smaller ones.