Innovation in Language Learning

In the Malay Language classrooms, writing expository essay is a challenge for students as they are unable to express their ideas effectively in writing. This difficulty is a result of their poor command of the language even though Malay Language is their mother tongue language as the spoken language at home is the English Language. Thus, students need structures to help them write the essays. Dray and Lewis (1997) recommends that teachers use writing frames when teaching writing, especially to younger learners, in order to help them process and scaffold their writing by using an outline.

In addition, teachers must also meet the needs of the 21^st century learners who are digital natives. These needs include the need for instant gratification as students want immediate and real-time feedback for their work and they learn better when they collaborate with teachers and other students as part of their learning experience.

This paper discusses a strategy that combines the use of writing frames and Google Form to teach expository essay writing. This strategy meets the needs of the students for structures and for instant gratification. Using this strategy not only improves the students’ writing skills but also boosts their confidence in writing expository essays.