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The use of wikis to enhance collaborative reading and writing skills in a pre-service efl teacher training program in an ecuadorian academic context

Abstract:

This study was aimed to analyze the benefits of wikis to enhance the skills of collaborative reading and writing on the training of pre-service teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). The research was conducted in an Ecuadorian academic context during a six-month period in which 30 pre-intermediate students participated; furthermore, 4 EFL professors of an English major were involved. A mixed-method approach was used starting with the application of a diagnostic survey aimed at identifying the technological skills of students and their experience in the use of wikis. Students worked in pairs in a collaborative way using PBWorks to carry out reading and writing activities that started with the analysis of texts in which they identified main ideas, supporting details and conclusions. At the end of the intervention, a survey was conducted to know the students’ perceptions about the use of the tool. The results showed that PBWorks had a positive impact for enhancing reading and writing skills because it allowed students to benefit from collaborative learning and feedback given by both, peers and teachers.