DEVELOPING EXPERIENTIAL-BASED LEARNING APPROACH TO ENHANCE THE ACADEMIC WRITING SKILLS OF DISTANCE LEARNERS

Abstract

The study aims to elaborate on the use of experiential-based learning to improve the skills of open and distance-learning students in academic writing. Academic writing courses are considered among the most difficult courses for most students. The students, in general, need help with writing the academic article properly. Academic writing requires systematic and proactive for students to complete their academic writing assignments properly. This study used research and development methods to produce academic writing course programs that can distance learners from acquiring skills in academic writing. Nine systematic steps were applied in this study incl, including the identity of instructional goals, conducting instructional analysis, analyzing learners and context, writing instructional objectives, writing performance assessments, determining instructional strategies, conducting formative evaluations, and revising instruction. The results of this research and development study are the academic writing course program used to enhance distance learners' skills in academic writing. The study results indicated that the experiential learning approach to academic writing improves students' ability to write proper academic articles or papers.