Undergraduate Research EFL Students’ Experiences in Building ePortfolios

Sami Mohammed Alanazi; Elias Bensalem

doi:10.4995/muse.2022.17167

Authors

Sami Mohammed Alanazi Northern Border University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0912-6980
Elias Bensalem Northern Border University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6018-0897

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2022.17167

Keywords:

ePortfolios, English as a foreign language, high impact educational practices, learning experience, undergraduate research

Abstract

High-impact practices (HIPs) have been adopted by many universities around the world to enhance student learning. The aim of this qualitative study was to analyzed how building ePortfolios may impact student learning experience via weekly reflections. A total of 47 senior undergraduate English as a foreign language (EFL) students enrolled in research projects shared reflections about their research experiences via the development of ePortfolios. Data analysis was carried out through deductive coding of the transcribed focus groups and weekly reflections. Findings suggest that the participants used their ePortfolios to improve their writing skills and increase their knowledge. Students were able to track their progress and felt more engaged in learning. They also showed appreciation to the feedback provided by their instructors on their reflections. However, the students shared some challenges they faced while developing their ePortfolios. Despite these challenges, there was a positive impact of ePortfolios on students’ learning experiences. Implications and further directions for research are discussed.

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Author Biographies

Sami Mohammed Alanazi, Northern Border University

Saud Alanezi is an assistant professor of English in the Department of Languages and Translation at the Northern Border University in Saudi Arabia, where he teaches in the BA English program. His research interest centers on issues related to second language learning. Dr. Sami Alenezi is the authors of several articles.

Elias Bensalem, Northern Border University

Elias Bensalem is Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics in the Department of Languages and Translation at the Northern Border University in Saudi Arabia, where he teaches in the BA English program. His research centers on issues related to second-language learning, individual differences and emotional variables in second-language acquisition, and computer-assisted language learning. Dr. Bensalem is the author of several articles related to language learning and teaching, and he is a reviewer for a number of peer-reviewed journals.

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