The relation of SES and writing skills in Lebanese elementary schools. (c2008)

Abstract

This research investigates the effect of students' socioeconomic status (SES) on their written essays. It studies their writing and its relation with their SES background to find out whether the student's SES level affects his/her writing skills. It also studies the difficulties and obstacles the teachers and the learners face in the writing classroom. A research is conducted to identify the gaps and problems in teaching and learning writing. The researcher observes two writing classes, analyzes fi ve written essays from each classroom, and uses a specific rubric to evaluate and assess students' level of writing. The researcher studies the types of writing that interest students the most and topics they would like to write about. The researcher also examines two ki nds of interviews to find out the techniques and strategies followed in the writing classroom. The research sheds light on the importance of motivation and enthusiasm in the writing classroom. Moreover, it specifies the necessity of changing the strategies and the ways of teaching in the writing classrooms from time to time as well as engaging learners with interesting topics and different types of writing.