Blended Learning Approach in Developing Metacognitive Strategies in Group Writing

Abstract

Abstract  

Evolving technology has rapidly changed the scenario of education. Many universities in Malaysia are moving towards blended learning. This learning environment combines teaching methods, delivery methods, media formats or a mixture of all these. It also refers to integrated learning activities like online and face-to-face learning. This study examines how metacognitive strategies were developed during group work in an intact class comprising 21 first-year undergraduates in an expository writing course. It also seeks to determine the students’ perceptions of their blended writing experience. Data were collected from face-to-face group interactions and Wikispaces over eight weeks. Two sets of questionnaires were distributed to elicit the students' metacognitive knowledge and perceptions of blended learning. A semi-structured interview was also conducted. The study's findings revealed that an online learning platform is essential for students to plan their outlines, monitor and assess their progress in their work, and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in writing. In order to engage the students in the writing process, both face-to-face and online methods should work in tandem to develop students’ metacognitive strategies and writing skills. The findings concluded that blended learning through Wikispaces helps make learning more efficient, meaningful, and beneficial because the students become more autonomous in their learning process as they interact in groups. There was a limitation, which was the slow internet connection, but it could be rectified because Wikispaces could be used synchronously and asynchronously.