@MASTERSTHESIS{Alf_Pro_2021,
author = "Alfonso Bermúdez, Lina Marcela",
title = "Problem-Based Learning to Foster Persuasive Writing: A Study with Pre-Service Teachers of English",
abstract = "eng: This investigation explores Problem -Based Learning as a model to promote persuasive writing. The purpose was to analyze how pre-service English language teachers with an upper intermediate level could achieve an understanding of controversial topics, and proposed, in writing, contextualized and well-structured solutions. The data gathered to identify the problem suggest that there are areas for continued development in writing. During the diagnostic stage, it was identified that participants did well in summarizing, analyzing, and interpreting but required guidance and practice in taking a stand, and having their academic voices heard. The study adopted an action research methodology which implied the design of workshops to appraise its appropriateness and give an account of the processes and outcomes evidenced in participants’ written products. The pedagogical intervention consisted on the implementation of six workshops based on issues related to the participants’ context. Then, Problem-based learning was selected as the approach to enhance persuasive writing since it uses issues for the analysis, integration, and adaptation of new knowledge, and it provides different types of instruction that help students develop their communicative skills (Barrows, 1996). This action stage was evaluated through different instruments such as a teacher’s journal, a self-assessment form, and a persuasive writing rubric to measure some strategies. The main findings of this study displayed positive results in terms of students’ effective writing performance, effectiveness of the use of Problem-Based Learning, and participants’ positive perceptions towards writing. Additionally, learners acquired pre-writing and writing strategies that contributed to improve their writing performance.",
year = 2021,
institution = "Universidad de Caldas",
url = "https://repositorio.ucaldas.edu.co/handle/ucaldas/17033",
}