Strategies and Challenges of Teaching English Writing Skills

Abstract

The present research work, entitled Strategies and Challenges of Teaching English Writing Skills, aims to explore the strategies and challenges involved in teaching English writing skills, with a focus on both traditional and contemporary pedagogical approaches. The research was conducted using a survey research design within a qualitative framework. The researcher selected all teachers teaching at secondary-level community schools in Bigu Rural Municipality through a purposive sampling procedure. Questionnaire and observation checklists were used as the main tools for data collection. The collected data were analyzed and interpreted descriptively by identifying themes or sub-themes. The study found that teachers primarily utilized technology, free writing, images, and task-based writing to enhance students' writing skills. In contrast, strategies such as peer review, process writing, and project-based writing received less emphasis. Student-centered and contemporary teaching methods, including brainstorming, group work, peer collaboration, and creative writing, significantly boosted students' writing competence by promoting active participation and creativity. Nonetheless, both students and teachers encountered challenges, such as difficulties with grammar, vocabulary, sentence construction, limited resources, and insufficient teacher training. To tackle these issues, integrating technology, adopting varied teaching strategies, and ensuring institutional support through training and resource availability are essential for improving writing instruction at the secondary level. This thesis has been structured into five chapters. The first chapter introduces the study, covering the background, statement of the problem, objectives, research questions, significance, delimitations, and operational definitions of key terms. The second chapter reviews theoretical and empirical literature, discusses its implications, and presents the conceptual framework. The third chapter deals with the research methodology, including the study design, population, sample, research tools, data sources, data collection procedures, analysis methods, and ethical considerations. The fourth chapter focuses on data analysis and interpretation, while the fifth chapter presents the findings, conclusions, and implications for policy, practice, and further research. The thesis concludes with references and appendices.