The influence of three approaches to feedback on L2 writing task improvement and subsequent learning

Abstract

This research examined the effects of using rubrics, exemplars, and self-assessment as forms of feedback in an L2 writing development course in English with Chinese speakers. The sample consisted of 114 L2 students at a university in Macau. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment groups and provided feedback on an English writing task using either rubrics, exemplars, self-assessment, or a control condition. The efficacy of these treatments was examined for both performance (on the writing task at hand) and learning (as demonstrated by performance on a new, similar writing task). Results indicate that rubrics and exemplars were effective as compared to the control condition, but the self-assessment approach was not.