The Effect of Storytelling Strategy on Developing Story Writing Skills among Grade Seven Pupils in Oman

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Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Research Problem5

Purpose of the Research6

Research Design7

Significance of the Study8

Research Questions8

Outline of the Study9

REFERENCES10

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Writing is one of the most basic skills required to communicate with others. As most of the children are involved with formal education, in their case, writing is used as a form of communication demonstrating their creativity and knowledge. Over a period of time, the importance of effective writing has significantly increased (Graham, 2006, p. 90). Basically, writing is considered to be one of the threshold skills for hiring and promotions. Therefore, it is very important that teachers and educators provide students with the required skills of writings and various strategies to be successful throughout their academic and practical experiences.

Basic Education System has been adopted by the Sultanate of Oman as a step moving ahead for providing quality education to their children. For responding to present needs, the system in general includes the updated method of teaching. Basic education system is considered to be one of the greatest achievements for the educational system of Oman. The basic education system was implemented in the educational years 1998-1999 in seventeen different schools. This numbers increased up to 450 schools by the years 2004-2005, as stated by the Ministry of Education (Ministry of Education, 2005). The Ministry of education further explained this system as 10 years of complete education which will meet children's basic needs in terms of skills, values, attitudes, and knowledge (Ministry of Education, 2001a). The first cycle of basic education system includes grades from 1 to 4. Second cycle includes grades from 5 to 10. Every cycle is designed keeping in mind the characteristics, abilities and needs of the students (Ministry of Education, 2001b).

As stated by ministry of Education (2001a), the system is a reflection of developmental requirements and modern academic trends of the Oman society. The system is an attempt to remove illiteracy, expand the span of basic education, and provide the students with necessary and basic skills, values, knowledge and attitudes which will enable them to effectively participate in the societal activities. It associates the theory of education and practice to life based on comprehensive education.

Arabic language is the national language of Oman, it is expected that educational system will normally focus on putting efforts to improve the ways in which Arabic is taught to students (Ministry of Education, 2004b). Oman's Ministry of Education has made Arabic language as compulsory, in 1970, starting from the elementary stage to the secondary stage.

The government of Oman has been continuously supporting the development and improvement of teaching of Arabic language since then. The most important goal of teaching in introducing the subject of Arabic language at school is to enable students to use the language frequently and increase proficiency in communicating. The Arabic language consists of four interrelated skills, i.e. speaking, writing, listening, and reading, where each of the skill is influenced ...