"THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS ON WRITING SKILLS FROM EFL LEARNERS’ PERSPECTIVES."

Abstract

"In this study, 109 English studies students at Can Tho University, including 67 first-year students and 42 fourth-year students, completed the survey that had 2 questionnaires with 20 questions per table about self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies and selfefficacy in writing. The table of SRL strategies included 20 items which were divided into 2 Clusters: Cluster 1: Cognitive of English writing self-regulated learning strategies (12 items) and Cluster 2: Behavioral of English writing self-regulated learning strategies (8 items). Similarly, 20 items in second table of self-efficacy were divided into 2 Clusters, Cluster 1: Writing achievement goals (7 items) and cluster 2: Beliefs and Attitudes in learning writing (13 items). The results obtained from analyzing the data showed that students were positive about SRL strategies and self-efficacy in writing. Both first- and fourth-year students did not have much difference in terms of SRL strategies and self-efficacy. However, fourth-year students might have more innovative writing learning strategies and they were rated as more self-efficacy than first-year students on several items in the survey. This research was meaningful in providing and diversifying factors to practice and improve writing skills in the context of Can Tho University and Vietnam in general. Students can learn about SRL strategies and Selfefficacy to choose for themselves effective ways to practice writing."