scholarly journals Is Less Really More? The Case for Comprehensive Written Corrective Feedback

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 145-165
Author(s):  
Mohammad Falhasiri

An underexplored question, and one with potentially far-reaching implications for the practice of written corrective feedback (WCF), is whether to mark a wide range of errors (comprehensive feedback) or to focus on a few error types (focused feedback) in learners’ L2 writing. Despite limited evidence, it is argued that comprehensive WCF is unsystematic, inconsistent, confusing, and intimidating; can cognitively and affectively overwhelm L2 learners and may dilute attention to WCF. This paper aims to first respond to and call into question these and other arguments against comprehensive WCF, and then it puts forward some arguments against focused WCF. In doing so, it draws on dominant SLA theories and empirical research findings to lend support to the rebuttals and arguments. Some concrete suggestions are made to help teachers fully exploit the potentials of a comprehensive feedback approach.

2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neomy Storch

Recently we have witnessed a large growth in research on written corrective feedback (WCF). However, the question posed here is: are researchers and L2 writing teachers now any wiser about the efficacy of WCF? I begin with a summary of early studies and some of their major shortcomings. I then examine more recent studies and conclude that, although many of the shortcomings of earlier research have been largely addressed, research findings are still inconclusive. I argue that currently, in the desire to conduct more robust research, the pendulum has swung too far towards experimental studies. Such studies tend to employ ‘one off’ treatments, often provided on a very restricted range of errors, and ignore the learners’ goals and attitudes to the feedback provided and to improvement in accuracy. I conclude by suggesting directions for a more meaningful and ecological valid research agenda on written corrective feedback.


SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 215824402110231
Author(s):  
Jui-Jung Tsao ◽  
Wen-Ta Tseng ◽  
Tsung-Yuan Hsiao ◽  
Chaochang Wang ◽  
Andy Xuesong Gao

Research has shown that the effectiveness of written corrective feedback (WCF) on writing performance depends on learners’ engagement with WCF and its associated motivational state. However, little research has examined the inner causal relationships between motivation, learner engagement with WCF, and writing performance. The current study fills the void in the existing literature by taking a structural equation modeling approach as the methodological framework. Two independent Chinese undergraduate samples partook in the pilot and formal phases of the study. The results showed that cultivation of an ideal self-image significantly promoted both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations and enhanced learners’ engagement with WCF, but ought-to self-image was found to have no such effects. Furthermore, both intrinsic motivation and learner engagement with WCF could directly influence writing scores, with the latter being more explanatory than the former. The implications of the research findings are provided and discussed.


2010 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norman W. Evans ◽  
K. James Hartshorn ◽  
Emily Allen Tuioti

Considerable attention has been given to written corrective feedback (WCF) in second language writing (L2) over the past several decades. One of the central questions has focused on the appropriateness of its use in L2 writing. In these academic discussions, scholars frequently describe how WCF is utilized in the classroom. However, many of these claims of teacher practice have no research base, since few studies have actually asked teachers what place WCF has in their writing classroom (Ferris, et al., in press/2011a; Ferris, et al., in press/2011b; Hyland, 2003; Lee, 2004). This paucity of data from teachers about their WCF practices is problematic. Understanding teacher perspectives on corrective feedback is integral to our understanding the place of WCF in L2 writing pedagogy. Accordingly, this article reports on a study that asks two fundamental research questions: (a) To what extent do current L2 writing teachers provide WCF? and (b) What determines whether or not practitioners choose to provide WCF? These questions were answered by means of an international survey completed by 1,053 L2 writing practitioners in 69 different countries. Results suggest that WCF is commonly practiced in L2 pedagogy by experienced and well-educated L2 practitioners for sound pedagogical reasons.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-98
Author(s):  
Gabrijela Petra Nagode ◽  
Karmen Pižorn ◽  
Mojca Juriševič

Feedback plays an important role in developing L2 writing in young learners. The article provides a brief overview of the history of giving feedback and of some contemporary views within this field. Special attention is paid to cognitive perspectives, such as the influence of written corrective feedback on shortterm memory, the influence of focused and unfocused written corrective feedback on error correction, the influence of written corrective feedback on a particular category of error, the influence of direct and indirect written corrective feedback and combinations of various types of written corrective feedback, and the influence of educational background and L2 learning background on the effectiveness of written corrective feedback in terms of sociocultural perspectives. The main aim of the article is to present readers (especially teachers) with the variety of aspects of giving written corrective feedback in developing L2 writing and thus in enabling young learners to develop their L2 writing skills more effectively.


Abjadia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Ani Susanti

<p>Teachers’ corrective feedback has been largely practiced in L2 writing programs and still extensively researched especially in the last decade. In the literature about ESL and EFL writing pedagogy, it is not only the typology but also the effectiveness as well as the relationship to others have been discussed. This paper synthesizes the current progress in the field to draw what has been done by the researchers in the area particularly in both ESL and EFL setting. As many as sixty-six studies mostly published in reputable journals from 2008 to 2018 are synthesized; and the result is categorized into five themes that include: first, the effectiveness of teachers’ corrective feedback on L2 writing accuracy; second, the stance of teachers’ corrective feedback comparing to peer feedback and computer-generated feedback; third, teachers’ perceptions and practices, fourth, students’ response and engagements; and finally experts’ recommendation for further studies and for synergizing research findings and practices.</p><p>لقد تم استخدام التغذية الراجعة للمدرسين بشكل كبير في برامج كتابة المستوى الثاني، ولا تزال تبحث على نطاق واسع خاصة في العقد الأخير. في الأدب حول تدريس اللغة الإنجليزية كلغة أجنبية (ESL) وعلم اللغة الإنجليزية (EFL)، لا يقتصر الأمر على التصنيف فحسب ، بل تمت أيضاً مناقشة الفعالية بالإضافة إلى العلاقة مع الآخرين. هذه الورقة تجمع التقدم الحالي في المجال لرسم ما قام به الباحثون في المنطقة خاصة في كل من ESL و EFL. يتم تجميع ما يصل إلى ستة وستين دراسة يتم نشرها في الغالب في المجلات ذات السمعة الجيدة من عام 2008 إلى عام 2018؛ ويتم تصنيف النتيجة في خمسة محاور تتضمن: أولاً، مدى فاعلية ملاحظات المدرسين التصحيحية على دقة الكتابة في المستوى الثاني؛ ثانياً، موقف المدرسين التصحيحي التصحيحي مقارنةً بملاحظات الزملاء والمعلومات المرتجعة بالحاسوب؛ ثالثا، تصورات وممارسات المدرسين، رابعاً، استجابة الطلاب ومشاركاتهم؛ وأخيرًا توصية الخبراء بإجراء المزيد من الدراسات وتوحيد نتائج البحوث والممارسات.</p><p>Umpan balik korektif para guru telah banyak dipraktekkan dalam program penulisan L2 dan masih banyak diteliti terutama dalam dekade terakhir. Dalam literatur tentang pedagogi penulisan ESL dan EFL, tidak hanya tipologi tetapi juga efektivitas serta hubungan dengan orang lain telah dibahas. Makalah ini mensintesis kemajuan saat ini di lapangan untuk menggambarkan apa yang telah dilakukan oleh para peneliti di daerah tersebut terutama dalam pengaturan ESL dan EFL. Sebanyak enam puluh enam studi yang kebanyakan diterbitkan dalam jurnal terkemuka dari tahun 2008 hingga 2018 disintesis; dan hasilnya dikategorikan ke dalam lima tema yang meliputi: pertama, efektivitas umpan balik korektif guru pada akurasi penulisan L2; kedua, sikap umpan balik koreksi guru dibandingkan dengan umpan balik teman dan umpan balik yang dihasilkan komputer; ketiga, persepsi dan praktik guru, keempat, respon dan keterlibatan siswa; dan akhirnya rekomendasi para ahli untuk studi lebih lanjut dan untuk mensinergikan temuan dan praktik penelitian.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiefu Zhang ◽  
Xuemei Chen ◽  
Jiehui Hu ◽  
Pattarapon Ketwan

Using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, this study investigated the preference of learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) for four types of written corrective feedback (WCF), which are often discussed in the literature, on grammatical, lexical, orthographic, and pragmatic errors. In particular, it concerned whether such preference is influenced by two learner variables, namely, foreign language enjoyment (FLE) and proficiency level. The preference for selective vs. comprehensive WCF was also examined. The participants in the study were 117 University students in a Thai EFL context. Analysis of questionnaire data revealed a tendency for learners to prefer more explicit types of WCF (i.e., metalinguistic explanation and overt correction) for most error types, irrespective of their proficiency and FLE level. High proficiency level learners rated less explicit WCF types (i.e., underlining and error code) as useful to some degree, whereas their low proficiency level counterparts did not. Similar results were found for the two FLE groups. Besides, the FLE level seemed to play a role in perceiving the value of WCF in terms of scope. The results of follow-up interviews showed that the linguistic features of learners' first language, existing knowledge of the target language, affective feelings, and teacher's role were the main factors contributing to variation in learners' preferences. Possible pedagogical implications are discussed.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha Pourdana ◽  
Payam Nour ◽  
Fariba Yousefi

Abstract Among a growing body of research that examined the contradictory role of written corrective feedback (WCF) in development of L2 writing accuracy, this study investigated the possible impact of focused metalinguistic WCF on discourse markers (DMs) in writing performance of an intact group of 42 Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners over an eight-week period. In an authentic, situated, and personalized learning platform, giving and receiving WCF were made possible only through the mobile-mediated application of WhatsApp. Before participants wrote on selected elicitation topics, they had taken part in a 2004 version of Oxford Preliminary Test in order to be screened for their initial differences in writing performance. After receiving metalinguistic WCF on their scripts, participants were required to work on the coded feedback and try to eliminate the DM errors in their revised writing assignment. After collecting the scripts over an eight-week period, the content of written assignment was thematically analyzed using NVivo 21 Software for the additive, adversative, causal and temporal DMs, following Halliday and Hasan’s (1976) typology. In a convergent mixed-methods design, the content analysis of the qualitative data showed a larger distribution of additive DM than adversative, causal, and temporal DMs in all participants’ written scripts. Exploring the possible impact of metalinguistic WCF on improving the DMs accuracy, analysis of the frequency count data with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) multivariate Chi-square test reported the fluctuation and unsystematic patterns of distribution for four types of DMs with no sign of significant long-term improvement in DMs accuracy after receiving metalinguistic WCF. These findings implied further research on practicing alternative WCF strategies focused on variety of error types in actual and virtual L2 writing environments.


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