MIIX Virtua

Fostering motivation and engagement among Malaysian college students in ESL writing classes is a significant challenge for educators. This study investigates the effectiveness of WriTitan, a hybrid of active learning and scaffolding approach, combined with QuillBot, an AI grammar checker, to enhance college students' essay-writing performance and their perceptions of WriTitan. Over six months, thirty college students participated in weekly two-hour writing training sessions using WriTitan, while qualitative and quantitative data, including instructor observations, student questionnaires assessing their opinions of WriTitan, and monthly writing assessment outcomes, were collected. Positive student perceptions indicate increased motivation, demonstrated by enhanced writing skills and confidence. Instructor observations support these findings, noting improved interest, spelling, conceptual development, and adherence to writing conventions. This study offers insights into ESL writing education techniques and suggests the invaluable commercial potential for WriTitan. Further research could explore its long-term effects and commercialization opportunities in ESL writing education. Keywords: Active learning; AI grammar checker; ESL writing education; scaffolding approach