Teaching English Language

Teaching English Language

Language Learners’ Epistemological Development: Impact of Creative Writing Task-Based Instruction

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 English Language Teaching Department, Faculty of Islamic Education, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of English Language Teaching, Islamic Azad University (Bandar Gaz Branch)
10.22132/tel.2025.417548.1522
Abstract
Research on L2 learning-specific epistemological beliefs (LLEBs), i.e., beliefs about L2 knowledge and knowing, is at a premium. This study explored the impact of creative writing tasks on the development of L2 learners’ LLEBs. To this end, 47 Iranian intermediate EFL learners were convenience sampled and divided into a control group (N= 23) and an experimental group (N=24). The experimental group received 10 sessions of instruction, each involving a distinct creative writing task. Tasks were designed to induce epistemic doubts on LLEBs, for which the instructor provided resolution strategies. The control group, on the other hand, engaged in essay writing and received written feedback. LLEBs’ development along the 4 points of epistemological continuum, i.e., absolute, transitional, independent, and contextual L2 knowing, was traced through the Language Learning-Specific Developmental Epistemology Inventory (Rahmani et al., 2023), and 10 experimental group members’ LLEBs-focused diaries at pre-, mid-, and post-treatment phases. ANOVA results showed the experimental group’s significant development from absolute to contextual L2 knowing. This finding was also confirmed in the directed qualitative content analysis of diaries. The findings have implications for the potential of creative writing tasks for LLEBs’ development

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Volume 19, Issue 2
July 2025
Pages 353-392

  • Receive Date 22 September 2023
  • Revise Date 05 August 2025
  • Accept Date 22 August 2025