The Use of Portfolios to Improve 8th Grade Students’ Writing Performance at a Secondary School in Hai Duong: An Action Research Project = Việc sử dụng hồ sơ tập bài để phát triển kĩ năng Viết của học sinh lớp 8 tại một trường Trung học cơ sở ở tỉnh Hải Dương

Tóm tắt

This research primarily aims to assess the impact of implementing writing portfolios on enhancing the writing abilities of 8th-grade students. While numerous studies have explored the effectiveness of writing portfolios in augmenting students' writing performances, there is a noticeable gap in literature concerning their application among secondary school students. To bridge this gap, this action research focused on evaluating the effects of writing portfolios on the writing skills and attitudes of rural 8th-grade students towards utilizing these portfolios. Conducted over ten weeks in the first semester of the 2022-2023 school year, the study engaged 30 8th-grade students from a lower secondary school in Kim Thanh, Hai Duong, who were enrolled in writing lessons. The methodologies for data collection included survey questionnaires, interviews, and an examination of the students' submitted writing portfolios. The analysis revealed statistically improvements in the students' writing abilities, with notable enhancements in grammar, content, vocabulary, and organization. Furthermore, the research found that the students held positive views towards the use of writing portfolios in their lessons, appreciating the novelty and effectiveness of this approach. However, the study also identified challenges such as deficiencies in vocabulary and structural knowledge of writing, alongside personal factors affecting the students' writing. In light of these findings, the research proposes recommendations and strategies to overcome the obstacles encountered in compiling and leveraging writing portfolios. The ultimate goal of this study is to advocate for the broader adoption of writing portfolios in writing instruction across lower secondary schools, thereby enriching and energizing language education.