ISSN: 2226-6348
Open access
This study explores the use of the Collaborative Digital Writing Cycle (CDWC) as a structured approach to enhancing writing engagement among lower secondary ESL students in Malaysia. Writing instruction in many ESL classrooms remains teacher centred and examination focused, often resulting in limited student engagement during the writing process. Guided by Engagement Theory, this qualitative case study investigates how CDWC is implemented in an ESL classroom and how it influences students’ behavioural, cognitive, and emotional engagement in writing. Data were collected through classroom observations, semi structured interviews with one ESL teacher and four students, and document analysis of students’ written work. The findings indicate that the staged structure of CDWC supports students in organising ideas, sustaining participation, and developing confidence in writing through collaborative digital practices. Teacher guidance played a critical role in scaffolding planning, peer feedback, and the effective use of digital tools. However, challenges related to uneven digital readiness, peer interaction management, and online distractions were also identified. Overall, the study suggests that CDWC has strong potential to enhance writing engagement when implemented with clear structure and active teacher mediation. The findings contribute practical insights for ESL teachers seeking to integrate collaborative digital writing approaches in lower secondary classrooms.
Albashtawi, A. H., & Al Bataineh, R. F. (2020). The effectiveness of using Google Classroom in teaching writing skills to EFL students. International Journal of Instruction, 13(3), 1–16.
Aldossary, K. (2022). Students’ perceptions of digital platforms in English language learning. Asian EFL Journal, 26(2), 98–115.
Alnajashi, H. (2024). Digital writing practices and learner engagement in EFL classrooms: A longitudinal study. Journal of Language Education, 10(2), 45–61.
Cevallos, K. M. M. (2025). Developing global communicative competence through collaborative writing tasks. International Journal of Language Studies, 19(1), 112–129.
Fadli, M. (2025). Integrating Google Workspace to support student creativity in English writing. Journal of Digital Pedagogies, 13(2), 77–95.
Fathi, J., Saharkhiz Arabani, A., & Mohamadi, P. (2021). The effect of collaborative writing using Google Docs on EFL learners’ writing performance and writing self-regulation. Language Related Research, 12(5), 333–359. https://doi.org/10.52547/LRR.12.5.13
Febiyanti, R., Hidayat, D. N., & Alek, A. (2021). Students’ engagement in collaborative writing through Google Docs. Journal of English Language Teaching, 10(2), 89–101.
Fitriani, S. N. (2024). Fostering peer engagement through collaborative Google Docs writing tasks. Asian EFL Journal, 26(4), 134–152.
Gómez Correa, J. B. (2023). Enhancing intercultural awareness through digital co writing: A case study. TESOL Journal, 14(3), e00491. https://doi.org/10.1002/tesj.491
Halimatus Sa’diyah, & Nabhan, S. (2021). The use of digital platforms in enhancing students’ writing engagement. Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning, 12(1), 34–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.29408/veles.v5i2.3863
Indrayani, S., & Sukaesih, S. (2022). Process-oriented writing instruction through Google Classroom in EFL contexts. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 12(1), 45–58. https://doi.org/10.17509/ijal.v12i1.39421
Jalil Fath, A. (2021). Writing challenges among ESL learners in secondary schools. Journal of Language Education Research, 5(2), 67–75. https://doi.org/10.29252/LRR.12.5.12
Kartepe, F., & Atmaca, Ç. (2024). Digital collaborative writing and learner motivation: Classroom-based implementations. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 61(3), 567–585.
Laili, E. N., & Muflihah, T. (2020). Students’ difficulties in writing English essays in EFL contexts. Journal of English Language Teaching and Linguistics, 5(2), 213–226.
Lim, J. H. (2022). Google Classroom as a writing support tool in Malaysian secondary schools. Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 19(2), 77–95.
Nasri, N. F., Habali, A. H. M., & Adam, M. H. M. (2022). Google Docs: Students’ perceptions as an online collaborative tool in learning writing skills. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 11(3), 690–705. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARPED/v11-i3/1
Nasri, N. M., Roslan, S., & Talib, M. A. (2022). Collaborative writing and student engagement in ESL classrooms. Journal of Language and Education, 8(3), 24–38.
Pahayahay, A. B. (2025). Structuring collaborative learning to promote equitable participation in ESL classrooms. Journal of Educational Research and Practice, 15(1), 66–82.
Rakhmawati, A. (2020). Writing anxiety and engagement among EFL learners. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 11(3), 419–426.
Rocha, A. P., & Casanova, J. L. (2023). Collaborative digital writing and student engagement in ESL contexts. Journal of Educational Technology and Language Learning, 6(1), 15–28. https://doi.org/10.24071/llt.v26i2.6569
Shelvam, R., & Bahari, A. (2021). Teacher-centred versus collaborative writing approaches in ESL classrooms. Journal of English Education, 6(1), 14–26.
Thayabaran, S. (2024). Digital platforms and writing engagement among Malaysian ESL learners. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 45(2), 1–12.
Murugan, D. J. K. A., Tharmarajoo, S. A., & Tahir, M. H. B. M. (2026). Enhancing Writing Engagement in Malaysian Lower Secondary ESL Classrooms through the Collaborative Digital Writing Cycle (CDWC). International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 15(1), 246–260.
Copyright: © 2026 The Author(s)
Published by HRMARS (www.hrmars.com)
This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this license may be seen at: http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode