Abstract for 7. Integrating beninese tales and songs to enhance advanced learners’ writing skills in english department of FLASH-ADJARRA (Benin Republic)

Writing task is often challenging for learners as well as teachers. This study investigates the impact of tales and Beninese songs on learners’ writing performance in FLASH-Adjarra, English department. The objective is to explore possibilities to provide an authentic learning environment where the target language and students’ mother tongues can coexist and be used to overcome real-life communication challenges in order to motivate students and to improve their outcomes. A mixed-method has been used and an experimentation has also been conducted. The instruments include fifty (50) questionnaires addressed to students and ten (10) English as a Foreign Language (EFL) lecturers of the English Department of FLASH-Adjarra. The results confirm that, English is taught as a mere college subject in a non-conducive classroom atmosphere, frustrating for both students and lecturers. This study also evidences storytelling activities integrating learners’ mother tongues which significantly improve students’ writing skills and provide an authentic, motivating, flexible and relaxing learning experience in EFL context. The present study suggests integrated skills to foster communicative skills. Moreover, teachers should grab opportunities to take part in workshops and training related to innovative teaching-learning methods.