Writing and Pedagogy Jun 2026

Teaching Writing in Secondary School English Language Classrooms in Côte d'Ivoire: An Exploratory Study

Jimalee Sowell

Abstract

English language teachers in many countries around the world teach large classes of 40 or more students. Since the 18th century, many English teaching methods have focused on speaking skills. However, in recent years, globalization has heightened the importance of writing instruction. Writing skills have become increasingly important for English language learners in professional, academic, and personal contexts. Despite this increasing importance, to date, there has been limited research that shows how writing instruction is implemented in large, secondary school English language classes although large-class contexts represent the majority of English language classes globally. Therefore, this qualitative, exploratory study aimed to explore and understand writing instruction in one particular large-class context—public secondary school English language classes in Côte d'Ivoire. Data were collected through autobiographical essays, interviews, and teaching artifacts and analyzed through narrative profiles. Major findings show that Ivorian secondary school English language teachers might not have much training for teaching writing. Additionally, Ivorian secondary school English language teachers face numerous challenges teaching writing, including student reluctance to write. Implications suggest the need to give more consideration to writing assessments and instruction and the need to ensure that secondary school English language teachers receive adequate training for teaching writing that fits their large-class contexts.

Journal
Writing and Pedagogy
Published
2026-06-01
DOI
10.3138/wap-2025-0009
CompPile
Open Access
Closed
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