Once Upon A Time: A Framework for Developing Creative Writing in ESP and EAP

Abstract

Creativity is useful for enriching the quality of learning (Maley, 2015). Using English for creative learning purposes is essential for studying on various university degree courses. Writing is potentially considered as the most important skill although it is a difficult skill for Second Language (SL) learners to master (Nunan, 1999). One of the possible reasons for this is that it has not been well-emphasized and developed in English language materials (Alkhaldi, 2014; Tomlinson, 2015). This study focuses on writing, particularly, creative writing in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses. The main purpose of an ESP course and EAP course is to improve traditional and technical writing skills for students, and this might be at the expense of creative writing. This study explores creative writing and its possible challenges. It also discusses the significance of creativity, creativity and the language learner, creativity and motivation, creative writing, and the role of creative writing in ESP/EAP. Finally, it elaborates and recommends a systematic, principled framework based on a review of the related literature for developing creative writing in ESP/EAP courses.

ESP Creative Writing from Engineering Students’ Perspectives: A Case Study

“…CW in FL learning is emphasized (Lutzker, 2015), but it is not utilized in ESP courses (Alkhaldi, 2019). Based on the researchers' best knowledge and experience, ESP courses lack CW activities despite its importance for language learning and creativity for the students who study different specializations at university.…”

“…Students who study different majors at university and take ESP courses as part of the requirements for their undergraduate degrees can be trained to develop their CW in a FL environment if they are provided with opportunities and the appropriate environment for creative learning (Alkhaldi, 2019). Learners can develop their linguistic competencies, creative thinking, and confidence, provided CW is integrated with the ESP courses at the universities.…”

“…Writing is not easy for Foreign Language (FL) learners (Nunan, 1999) as they complain about mastering this skill, especially in a FL learning environment (Alkhaldi, 2019). Learners who study at a university consider academic writing to be a complicated process as they must take issues about academic conventions and ethics into consideration.…”

Creative Use of Second Language Theories and Creative Language Learning: Some Considerations

“…Most linguists define the term creativity as something created for the first time or creating something different or outstanding (Alkhaldi, 2019a). Read (2015), for example, explains that creativity is thinking 'out of the box' and that learners try to come up with new solutions for any academic or even non-academic problems.…”

“…Lutzker explains that creativity will be developed appropriately only if it is practiced. In other words, creating things for the first time or in a different way is likely a good way to foster creativity in learning the language (Alkhaldi, 2019a). The interaction among textbooks (language theories and activities), teachers (teaching methods, teaching styles and professional development training), and learners (motivation, learning styles, experience, and creative ideas) complement each other and work closely together to promote creativity towards effective, durable learning.…”