The Effects of Electronic Portfolio Application on Improving Vietnamese High School Students’ Writing Ability: The Case Study of Three High Schools in Binh Duong Province

Abstract

The research aims to investigate the effects of electronic portfolios (e-portfolios) on English as a foreign language (EFL) high school students’ writing ability, students’ and teachers’ attitudes towards the application of e-portfolios in writing classes at three high schools in Binh Duong province. The sample included 15 teachers and 300 twelfth graders at three high schools in Binh Duong province. Facebook was chosen as an e-portfolio platform where the students created and developed their personal e-portfolios. The data were collected both quantitatively and qualitatively through a mixed-method study using the tools of a pre-test, a post-test, a questionnaire (for students), and a semi-structured interview (for teachers in charge of the experimental classes). The survey results showed that e-portfolios considerably impact EFL high school students' writing ability. The results also revealed challenges and technological drawbacks concerning the use of e-portfolios in these classes. For the optimal application of e-portfolios in writing courses, recommendations were put forward to those who are in charge of the course and to those who are taking the course as well.