Strategies & Self-Regulation in ESL Writing: Using Self-Regulated Strategy Development in an African Seminary

Abstract

Self-Regulatory Strategy Development (SRSD) is an interactive instructional method used to teach writing through the use of strategies and self-regulation (Harris, Graham, Friedlander, & Laud, 2013). Using SRSD, the researcher implemented a 6-week essay writing unit in an ESL university classroom in Cameroon, West Africa. The author collected and analyzed data in the form of writing samples, student and teacher assessments, and student self-reflections. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of SRSD within this setting, from a quantitative perspective (rubric-based assessments) and a qualitative perspective (student self-reflections). A discussion on the findings and implications for future use of SRSD are included.