BLOGS AS A WAY TO ENHANCE EFL READING CLASSES IN A LEBANESE TERTIARY INSTITUTION

This study investigated the use of blogs in an intensive English program at a university in Lebanon. The paper reports on how blogs can contribute to language acquisition and the development of related literacy skills. Blogs were incorporated into the required curriculum as supplemental material over two semesters. The aim of the strategy was to see if the use of blogs would yield any observable benefits for students particularly in the areas of critical thinking and motivation to read and use the target language. Data were collected through a research diary and focus group interviews with the students. The findings reveal that the use of blogs can nurture students’ critical thinking and enhance their motivation to read and use the target language.