Examining the Effectiveness of Learning-Oriented Language Assessment in Second Language Reading-to-Write Tasks: Focusing on Instructor Feedback and Self-Assessment

• Published in: Journal of Asia TEFL Vol. 18; no. 4; pp. 1250 - 1265
• Main Authors: Kim, Hyun Jung, Kim, Ahyoung Alicia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Seoul Asia TEFL 01.12.2021; 아시아테플
• Subjects: Academic Language; Academic writing; English (Second Language); English as a second language; Feedback; Foreign language instruction; Graduate studies; Instructional Effectiveness; Language assessment; Metacognition; Reading; Second language learning; Second language reading; Second language teachers; Second language writing; Second Languages; Self evaluation; Student writing; Writing instruction; Writing processes; 영어와문학
• ISSN: 1738-3102; 2466-1511
• DOI: 10.18823/asiatefl.2021.18.4.11.1250

Previous research on instructor feedback in second language (L2) writing has been limited to the area of grammar. However, it is also important to understand the role of feedback in developing content, considering that integrated reading-to-write tasks, which emphasize one's ability to discuss select topics, are gaining popularity in L2 writing. Using the Learning-Oriented Language Assessment framework, this study examined the effectiveness of instructor feedback in the content domain in reading-to-write tasks. It also compared instructor feedback with students' self-assessment of their own writings. Participants were 11 TESOL master's students and their professor in South Korea. During one semester, learners produced eight writings (initial draft and revision on four reading-to-write tasks). For each task, students read an academic research paper of their choice and wrote a one-page review of it. Learners also completed a self-assessment and received instructor feedback in the content domain of their writings. Quantitative and qualitative findings indicate that learners generally improved in the content domain. This could be attributed to repeated self-assessment, combined with instructor feedback, which promoted learners' metacognitive reflection of their writing process and product. The results provide pedagogical implications for using integrated reading-to-write tasks and sustained feedback in L2 academic writing.