Effect of Windows Movie Maker on Writing Proficiency and Perceived Motivation

Abstract

This article reports the results of an experimental study on the effectiveness of the Windows Movie Maker (WMM) tool in improving the English language writing proficiency of lawyers and increasing their motivation for learning. The participants (n = 40) are limited-English proficient (LEP) lawyers enrolled in an English for specific purposes (ESP) course given in eleven 4-hour sessions covering the skills of legal writing. The study employed an experimental pretest-posttest control group design whereby two intact classes were randomly assigned to control and experimental conditions. Descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) and two Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) tests were used to address the questions raised in the study. Results indicated that the use of the WMM tool was effective in improving the legal writing proficiency of the participants and in increasing their motivation for learning than regular instruction.

English as a second language (ESL), English for specific purposes (ESP), Windows Movie Maker (WMM), Legal English proficiency