POSTCARDS TO JAVA ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO WRITEud

摘要

Abstract: Writing is assumed to be an individual activity, one which is done in silence. Writing activities are time-intensive and, unfortunately, they can often be boring for both EFL teachers and students. Writing can also prove difficult to teach due to the complicated issues involved, namely, linguistic, psychological, and cognitive issues. Considering these factors, EFL teachers often avoid writing activities in class. Consequently, Indonesian students of English graduate within adequate training in English writing. Common challenges students face include: word choice, grammar, organization, and generation of ideas or creativity. Due to their limited knowledge, students often feel stuck and stressed when writing. Due to students’ low proficiency and motivation, writing remains a challenge. To make writing interesting, and to promote better writing at school, we proposed a project called Postcards to Java. The project uses a collaborative and interactive educational model. Students work in pairs to write responses to postcards, authentic materials, received from native English speakers. This study aims to describe the project in depth and analyse its effects on EFL students’ motivation as well as the quality of their writing. udKeywords: Postcards to Java, cooperative learning, authentic materialud