Creative Writing on the Development of Writing Skills.

Abstract

This study investigates how creative writing strategies can support English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students in improving their writing skills and overall learning motivation. The research stems from a common classroom challenge: students frequently face a difficult time writing in English, particularly when trying to make their texts clear, comprehensible, and well-structured. Furthermore, a lack of confidence often hinders their ability to express themselves in an authentic and expressive manner. To address this issue, the study analyzes the influence of creative writing strategies in the perception and performance of EFL students' writing skills. Methodologically, the research examined a group of 24 EFL students from an educational institution in Manabí, Ecuador, selected through a convenience sampling method. Data were collected through field observations and semi-structured interviews with the classroom teacher. The findings reveal that a profound fear of making mistakes significantly obstructs students' writing development and performance. However, when engaged in collaborative, narrative-based, or imaginative tasks, students demonstrated a notable increase in motivation and enthusiasm toward writing. They also showed a stronger capacity to organize and express their ideas in a coherent way. Ultimately, the study highlights creative writing as an effective approach to enhancing EFL writing instruction, making the learning experience more enjoyable, engaging, and meaningful for students.