Assessing Writing Teaching Writing 1. Principles of Language Teaching

Various media can be found in language teaching, from non-mechanical aids such as household objects, flashcards, or magazine pictures to the use of sophisticated mechanical aids such as videos, computers. Whatever the media are, they can assist teachers in their jobs, bringing the outside world into the classroom, and helping making the task of language teaching and learning more meaningful and exciting. In this case, picture-based cue cards, which were used in this research, are considered instructional media since they carry information and serve instructional functions. Brinton 2001:459 states that whatever the approach, language teachers seem to agree that media can and do enhance language teaching. The use of instructional media during the teaching process can facilitate and enhance learning. Therefore, careful attention should be given in planning and using instructional media. In line with the statement, Gerlach and Ely 1971:241 state that instructional media play a key role in the design and use of systematic instruction. A medium, broadly conceived, is any person, material, or event that establishes conditions which enable the learner to acquire knowledge, skills and attitude. If the teacher is able to use instructional media effectively, some positive results can be seen afterwards. Kemp and Smellie 1989 in Burden and Byrd 1998:13 state the outcomes of using instructional media appropriately are the followings: a. The content of a topic can be more carefully selected and organized. b. The delivery of instruction can be more standardized. c. The instruction can be more interesting. d. Learning becomes more interactive when applying accepted learning theory. e. The length of the time required for instruction can be reduced. f. The quality of learning can be improved. g. The instruction can be provided when and where desired or necessary. h. The positive attitude of individuals toward what they are learning and to the learning process itself can be enhanced. i. The role of the instructor can be enhanced. There are actually many kinds of media that can be used in teaching writing. Gerlach and Ely 1980 classify five categories of media in teaching: a. Picture Pictures can be in the form of large or small photographs or any object or events. b. Audio Recording A recording is made then saved on magnetic tape, disc, motion picture, and soundtrack, which is the reproduction of an actual event or soundtrack. c. Motion Picture This medium is kind of moving colour or black and white images. It is produced from live action or graphic representation. d. TV All types of audio video electric distribution system that eventually