1. UKM Learning and Research Repository
2. Master Thesis / Tesis Master
3. Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities / Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan

Title:	Self-expression in blogs by ESL University students : a case study
Authors:	Oh Chen May (P 48394 )
Supervisor:	Nadzrah Abu Bakar, Professor Dr
Keywords:	Self-expression
Issue Date:	2014
Description:	Blogs are widely used by a variety of people to express various kinds of messages. This process of self-expression attracts those who seek to actively express themselves publicly online especially the younger generation. As a technology tool, blogs function as a form of written outlet for self-expression among students of the digital generation. The primary aim of this study is to investigate self-expression through the written content in four ESL university students' blogs. This study examined the various types of self-expression through blog-writing and the motivating factors for maintaining blogs. The theoretical framework of this study was based on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Behaviourism, L2 Writing and Constructivism theories. Data were collected from blog posts and individual student interviews. Content analysis of the data was carried out using a software called, Nvivo, to categorise and code the data. The categories of self-expression revealed in the findings of the study were (1) self-reflections, (2) sharing of personal and general information, (3) sharing of educational materials, (4) giving personal opinions and (5) demonstration of the knowledge and skills learnt. The findings further indicated that students used blogs to (1) create hyperlinks on the blog page, (2) categorise posts using labels, (3) interact with readers through the comment box and, (4) customise the blogs' appearance. Additionally, the students were motivated to continue updating their blogs because it enabled them to express their feelings, thoughts and opinions, and keep a record of their experiences. Other motivating factors included awareness of having blog readers, receiving comments from readers, and monetary gain. Implication of the study showed that by writing their self-expressions in the English language, blogs improved students' L2 writing skills in terms of organisation of ideas, self-corrections in writing and exploration with various writing styles. They also developed reading comprehension skills. Overall implication demonstrated that self-expression in blogs helped students to develop themselves psychologically, emotionally and cognitively.,Master/Sarjana
Pages:	261
Publisher:	UKM, Bangi
Appears in Collections:	Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities / Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan

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