Using Pantuns in Greetings as a Tool to Promote Learners’ use of Metacognitive Strategies in Online ESL Learning

Metacognitive strategies are tools in developing students” ability to become autonomous. Pantuns raised learners awareness in the creative use of the language. The study aims (i) to find out if pantuns help learners to use the language creatively (ii) to find out if the respondents used Metacognitive strategies in accomplishing the tasks (iii) to determine learners” perceptions in learning English using keyboard and screen. A total of 50 students attended the English class. They were taught a topic on Special Greetings and how to write pantuns in greetings. Learners designed their own Pantun Greeting Cards and exhibited their work on board for others to read and comment. The instructor selected three best cards and justified the choices. Next, the learners moved on to the computers and assigned to access (http://bluemountain.com). They typed their Pantun Greetings in the Talking Cards and to click „Play” to hear the pantuns being recited with native pronunciations. Next, learners were assigned to access (http://www.123greetingcards.com). They selected Special Greeting Cards online and again to type Pantun Greetings but with music accompanying it and to e-mail the cards to their course mates and the instructor. The instructor assessed learners” work, wrote comments and returned to them online. Learners edited their work based on instructor“s comments and to compile their pantuns for others to share and use in (http://aplikasi02.polisas.edu.my/greeting). In the next class, learners responded to a set of questionnaires to get the quantitative and qualitative data. The data were then analysed accordingly using frequency counts, percentages and vignettes. The findings show that all the respondents agreed that pantuns helped them use the language creatively. Most learners employed metacognitive strategies to accomplish the tasks. All learners agreed that they enjoyed earning English using some of the online softwares. In conclusion, the lecturer should give the learners more opportunities to learn the language the fun way.