THE PRACTICE OF INDEPENDENT WRITING AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL IN BANGLADESH: A MYTH OR A REALITY?

Abstract

Writing is a unique mode of learning and it makes a unique demand to engage learners to develop their cognitive ability, critical thinking power, higher order intellectual ability and creativity. Practicing of independent writing can enhance these qualities. This study wants to explore the present status of independent writing in Bangladesh at the secondary level classroom. This study also focuses on writing and student’s role to be independent writers. The study uses questionnaire teacher’s adopted techniques for teaching of independent in these classrooms survey and class observation as two main sources data collection procedures for the study. The findings, which are analyzed in both quantitative and qualitative way, indicate that practicing independent writing is still a myth for us. Teaching writing is going on in a traditional and mechanical way without following any scientific and research -based approach to writing. Finally, some recommendations on future direction to develop independent writing have been highlighted being influenced by the theories of social constructivism, constructivism and progressive education and process approach to writing.