SFL and ESP Writing Instruction: A Systematic Review of Pedagogical Approaches

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 1:45 pm - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Meta-analytic and Systematic Reviews of Learning Environments

Abstract

This review explores how Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) supports writing development in English for Specific Purposes (ESP). Drawing on 13 peer-reviewed studies, it examines how SFL pedagogy enhances learners’ understanding of ideational, interpersonal, and textual aspects of writing. Findings show SFL’s potential to scaffold ESP writing instruction across academic and professional settings. Through genre-based teaching, learners produce more coherent and context-sensitive texts. The review also identifies gaps in multimodal writing and underexplored genres, calling for expanded research and teacher training in SFL. Overall, SFL emerges as a robust tool for improving writing instruction and fostering inclusive, purpose-driven education.

Authors

• Lutfi Ashar Mauludin, The Ohio State University

• Triubaida Maya Ardianti, The Ohio State University