The Impact of Innovative Strategies on Improving Writing Skills of English Learners at University Level

Abstract

This study examined how creative strategies such as artificial intelligence (AI) tools, collaborative writing, and digital storytelling activities impacted the enhancement of academic writing skills of English learners at the university level. The research sought to understand the writing problems that were most common, evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the measures, and monitor the students' reception to the measures being implemented. A quantitative approach using surveys was used with a sample of 346 students from different fields of study. Structured questionnaires which had been tested in a pilot study (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.792) were used to gather data and were then processed in SPSS (Version 28). Descriptive statistics and cross tabulation were used to analyse the data and find the patterns pertaining to difficulties in writing, use of tools, and outcomes. The most critical findings were the remaining issues: grammar was a problem for 62.5%, coherence for 55.2%, and vocabulary for 49.4% of the students. In spite of this, self-reported use of innovative strategies was still high such as: AI tools usage (69.7%) and peer collaboration (65.4%) as well as engaging interactive methods (82.6%). Additionally, there was strong support for institutional adoption, with 87% of participants in favour; however, there was less support for advanced digital storytelling techniques (39.3% engagement).

The ethical considerations such as anonymity and voluntary participation were followed. Testing in the pilot phase reduced bias and no personal information was stored. This study addresses the gap in the integration of technology and collaborative teaching processes in the teaching of academic writing. It provides empirical data on the effectiveness of modern approaches while also revealing gaps in adoption across levels of proficiency and disciplines. The results make it possible for curriculum developers and decision makers to take tangible steps toward solving the discrepancies between offer and demand in the context of use.

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