2.2.8 Impact of writing instruction and feedback
Another problematic practice is the focus on teaching writing in the language class. Harklau (2002) argues that it is not
sufficient for second language learners to ‘learn how to write’ in the target language but in fact learn the second
language through writing. According to her, there should be more emphasis on speaking in the second language rather
than on writing. Lavelle and Zuercher (2001) examined university writing approaches and students’ views on writing
and their experiences as writers. The findings highlight the importance of facilitating writing for university students by
including comprehensive tasks, emphasizing revision and meaning, scaffolding learners, modeling, and teaching
writing across the curriculum.
McCune (2004) conducted a longitudinal study of first year university students in a Scottish university. She used
interviews to examine students’ essay writing, how they conceive the process, and whether they benefit from their
teachers’ feedback. McCune (2004) found that students had difficulty in understanding and following their teachers’
feedback and guidance because of their own conceptions of essay writing and handouts, and so their writing was not
well developed.