Teaching Generative Skills in the EFL Classroom: Approaches to Writing and Speaking Development

Abstract

Writing and speaking are central generative (productive) skills in EFL education, yet they present persistent challenges due to their cognitive complexity and classroom constraints. This review surveys theory and practice to identify effective strategies for developing L2 writing and speaking. We first outline theoretical foundations, including communicative competence models, cognitive processing of output, and sociocultural perspectives. Next we examine pedagogical approaches to writing (e.g. process-genre instruction, task/project-based writing, peer review, digital tools) and to speaking (e.g. communicative tasks, fluency-building exercises, scaffolded dialogues). Classroom strategies are then discussed, covering feedback techniques, scaffolding, formative assessment, learner autonomy, and the use of collaborative and technological supports. Recent classroom-research case studies are reviewed: for instance, process-genre writing tasks with regular feedback have significantly improved Thai university learners’ written performance, and concept-mapping and 4/3/2 repetition tasks have enhanced Iranian EFL learners’ spoken fluency. Likewise, project-based writing raised Indonesian students’ writing scores (grammar, vocabulary, organization) and motivation, while scaffolded speaking instruction produced significant gains in accuracy and fluency. We note that peer correction often boosts both fluency and accuracy more than teacher-led correction. Finally, we address practical challenges (large classes, exam pressures, uneven proficiency, tech limitations) and offer evidence-based recommendations: integrate communicative task-based activities with explicit scaffolding, encourage autonomy (e.g. self-selected tasks), and leverage digital tools judiciously (e.g. writing-assistance software, AI feedback). The synthesis highlights that task-based and communicative approaches – combined with formative, learner-centered methods – best support generative skills development in varied EFL contexts.