Collaborative Creative Writing Projects: An Active Methodology to Enhance Written Production and Teamwork in Language and Literature

Abstract

The paper "Collaborative Creative Writing Projects: An Active Methodology to Enhance Writing Skills and Teamwork in Language and Literature" investigates the educational effects of a teaching strategy centered on collaborative creative writing as an active approach to language training.  The primary aim of the research study was to assess the influence of collaborative creative writing projects on the enhancement of writing skills, literary creativity, and teamwork among secondary school students in the Language and Literature curriculum. The research was carried out with a cohort of Spanish-speaking secondary pupils in an urban setting, employing exploratory qualitative methodologies incorporating aspects of action research.  A purposive sample of secondary students in a Spanish-speaking metropolitan environment was chosen.  The methodological approach comprised structured group writing sessions, peer evaluations, collaborative text analysis, and dissemination of written works, which were published in formats like anthologies, blogs, or presented as theatrical performances. The data collection instruments comprised written reflections, semi-structured interviews with participating instructors, and evaluation rubrics for the writing assessed in classroom journals.  The principal findings indicate a notable enhancement in discourse fluency and textual coherence, along with the effective use of literary language.  Additionally, a favorable transformation was noted in motivation, emotional involvement with the created texts, and the enhancement of interpersonal communication abilities.  Collaborative engagement among peers promoted divergent thinking, problem-solving, and the joint construction of knowledge within an active and significant learning environment.  Students had an increased propensity to provide and accept feedback, hence augmenting their metacognitive skills. This methodology's primary contribution is the designation of the student as an active author, participating in discourse with others and introspectively, within a humanistic framework that encompasses affectivity, creativity, and linguistic skills.  Consequently, collaborative creative writing projects serve as an effective instrument that converts the Language and Literature classroom into a realm of engagement, creativity, and shared knowledge creation.