Self-assessment in autonomous computer-aided second language writing

Abstract

This article presents the results of a study carried out in Sweden to investigate the promotion of self-assessment and reflection in the adult second language (L2) classroom. A method is proposed in which the computer is used first to record a writing session, and later to replay the entire text production in retrospective peer sessions. The method provides the students with an opportunity to look into their own composing processes both linguistically and holistically, as they view and discuss the reasons behind the different actions during the writing process. Results show that after using the method, all writers experienced useful, although different, insights into their own writing behaviours. Furthermore, this method is not restricted to an L2 environment, but is likely to be effective in other learning situations where reflection is useful for the acquisition process. © 2002 Oxford University Press.