Effects of a Constructivist Learning Environment on Developing Writing Skills in EFL Students

Authors

  • Gentjana Taraj Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Education, ‘Aleksander Moisiu’ University, Kampusi Universitar, Spitallë, 2000, Durrës, Albania
  • Anita Muho Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Education, ‘Aleksander Moisiu’ University, Kampusi Universitar, Spitallë, 2000, Durrës, Albania
  • Roman Králik Theological Institute in Spišské Podhradie, Catholic University in Ružomberok, Spišská Kapitula 12, 034 01 Ružomberok, Slovakia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2025.3.607.624

Keywords:

cognitive constructivism, new input, old knowledge, social constructivism, second language, writing skills

Abstract

Aim. This research investigates the effectiveness of constructivist-based learning in developing the writing skills of EFL students.

Methods. A sample of 60 second-year students from the Department of English Language at “Aleksander Moisiu” University was selected. The sample was divided into two groups, an experimental group (n=30) and a control group (n=30), on the basis of English proficiency levels. The instruments used for this study include an EFL writing skills test (pre- and posttest) and the Writing Quality Scale (Stuart and Barnett, 2024) for scoring the written essays. The control group received instruction through a traditional teaching method, whereas the experimental group was taught in a constructivist learning environment. The analysis focused on the integration of new linguistic input into students’ writing tasks, assessing the lexical, grammatical, and textual elements they utilised to enhance their writing techniques.

Results. A comparison of the scores between the two groups revealed statistically significant differences in favour of the experimental group in terms of EFL writing skills. The findings suggest that students' writing skills improved over time with the implementation of the constructivist approach. 

Conclusion. This study views the constructivist approach as a successful framework for teaching writing skills. However, the study’s limitations should be addressed, and other areas of learning should be explored to further verify the positive effects of constructivism in language education.

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Author Biographies

  • Gentjana Taraj, Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Education, ‘Aleksander Moisiu’ University, Kampusi Universitar, Spitallë, 2000, Durrës, Albania

    Associate professor at the Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Education, at ‘Aleksander Moisiu’ University specializing in applied linguistics. With a background in second language teaching, Taraj's research focuses on the pedagogical implications of second language teaching and learning, problems of teaching in higher education, and student motivation strategies. She has participated in several national and international conferences and is committed to exploring the intersection of innovation, ethics, and learning in academic environments.

  • Anita Muho, Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Education, ‘Aleksander Moisiu’ University, Kampusi Universitar, Spitallë, 2000, Durrës, Albania

    Esteemed Associate Professor having served as the Head of the Foreign Languages Department at the Faculty of Education, University "Aleksandr Moisiu" Durrës since July 19, 2018. Her academic journey reached its pinnacle with a doctorate from the University of Tirana in Pedagogy, focusing on the "Effects of different assessment methods on students' motivation in foreign language acquisition." Dr. Muho's commitment to advancing knowledge in her field is evident through her active participation in both national and international scientific conferences. She has contributed significantly to the academic community through the publication of numerous scientific articles in esteemed national and international journals.

  • Roman Králik, Theological Institute in Spišské Podhradie, Catholic University in Ružomberok, Spišská Kapitula 12, 034 01 Ružomberok, Slovakia

    Currently works as the director of the Kierkegaard Society in Slovakia and Professor of Philosophy. His main interest is the Danish thinker Soren Kierkegaard. He also deals with culture studies and the problem of education. He is the editor-in-chief of the Acta KIerkegaardiana (University of Toronto) series. Professor Kralik also works at the Department of Russian Language  Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)  Miklukho-Maklaya 6, 117198 Moscow, Russian Federation  & Theological Institute in Spišské Podhradie.

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Published

2025-09-23

How to Cite

Taraj, G. ., Muho, A., & Králik, R. (2025). Effects of a Constructivist Learning Environment on Developing Writing Skills in EFL Students. Journal of Education Culture and Society, 16(2), 607-624. https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2025.3.607.624