S8 Slides_ Responding to written work

Responding to Written Work in EDUC2022

Introduction

  • Focus on feedback in L2 (second language) writing.

  • Understanding the significance of various feedback types and their impact on student development.

1. Types of Feedback

General Feedback Importance

  • Feedback is crucial in L2 writing, influencing both teachers and students.

    • For Teachers: Key task in teaching writing (Ferris et al., 2011; Hyland & Hyland, 2019).

    • For Students: Vital for their growth and success as writers (Ferris, 2012).

Feedback Categories

  • Teacher Feedback: Comments from instructors about student work.

  • Peer Feedback: Responses from fellow students, promoting collaborative learning.

  • Automated Feedback: Technology-based responses that can supplement traditional methods.

Focus of Feedback

  • Language-focused: Writing Correction Feedback (WCF), addressing grammatical errors.

  • Content and Organization: Ensuring coherence, clarity, and appropriate structure.

2. Purposes of Feedback

Evaluating Ownership of Feedback

  • Critique the underlying reasons for providing feedback:

    • Is it merely to comply with institutional policies or truly to enhance student learning?

Intended Outcomes of Feedback

  • Advise students on effective communication.

  • Foster awareness of audience needs.

  • Encourage revision and gradual improvement.

  • Build a supportive learning environment where mistakes are embraced.

Enhancing Feedback Practices

  • Utilize specific strategies tailored to each student's needs, fostering individual growth and self-evaluation.

3. Effective Feedback Principles

Balanced Approach

  • Coverage across multiple elements: content, language, structure.

  • Emphasizing writing as a multi-dimensional craft beyond mere accuracy.

Focused and Selective WCF Strategies

  • Prioritize errors strategically rather than overwhelming students with too much information.

    • Enables students to concentrate on key areas for improvement.

Constructive Written Commentary

  • Action-oriented, concrete feedback that aligns with learning goals and success criteria.

Student-Centered Feedback

  • Feedback should be personalized and engage students actively.

    • Encourage self- and peer-assessment as part of their learning process.

Opportunities for Follow-up

  • Importance of enhancing teacher-student relationships through conferencing and ongoing dialogue post-feedback.

Final Reflections

  • Questioning the effectiveness of traditional feedback methods and emphasizing innovative practices that consider student autonomy and technology use.

  • Recognizing the role of feedback in building student confidence and writing competence.