Effective Writing Strategies among Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners: A Photovoice-Based Study

Writing is one of the most crucial skills students need; however, many learners struggle to employ effective strategies to achieve coherence and creativity in their texts. Photovoice, as a well-structured instructional method, can create engaging classroom environments resembling real-world contexts. The study followed a quantitative quasi-experimental design to investigate the strategies students use in writing through the Photovoice method. Sixty intermediate female participants were chosen through convenience sampling from a private institute in Ardestan, Iran. The Oxford Quick Placement Test was run to ensure that the students were homogeneous in overall English proficiency. The participants were randomly divided into a control group (۳۰) and an experimental group (۳۰). Both groups took a writing pretest, after which the experimental group received Photovoice-based instruction and the control group followed traditional methods. The researchers systematically observed and quantified student behaviors using an observation checklist and a posttest. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages and frequencies) and inferential statistics, including independent and paired samples t-tests. The results showed that Photovoice assisted learners in developing their writing strategies. The results also indicated that students in the experimental group effectively utilized planning and drafting strategies, enhancing coherence in their writing. The use of photographs as prompts fostered creativity, improved vocabulary, and encouraged reflective practices, ultimately enhancing critical thinking skills. The study might have relevant implications for language teachers, learners, curriculum designers, and language institutes by showing how employing Photovoice alongside effective writing strategies can actively engage learners and enhance their writing skills.

کلیدواژه ها:

Effective Writing Strategies ، Intermediate EFL Learners ، Photovoice ، Photovoice-based Study ، Writing Skill