ERIC Number: EJ1172568
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Feb
Pages: 32
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1072-4303
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Written Corrective Feedback in IELTS Writing Task 2: Teachers' Priorities, Practices, and Beliefs
Pearson, William S.
TESL-EJ, v21 n4 Feb 2018
Teacher corrective feedback is widely recognised as integral in supporting developing L2 writers. The potentially high pressure IELTS test preparation classroom presents a context where feedback has not yet been extensively studied. Consequently, teachers' approaches to corrective feedback on Writing Task 2, the essay component of IELTS Writing, are not well understood. In this exploratory case study, the feedback practices and beliefs of seven teachers at a private language institution in the United Arab Emirates were investigated to uncover how Task 2 feedback is undertaken. A mixed-methods design was adopted to investigate three aspects of teacher response to 104 Writing Task 2 practice compositions: (1) the textual features that teachers focused on; (2) error treatment and commentary techniques; (3) the perceptions and motivations underlying the practices identified. It was revealed that most corrective feedback was grammar-focused, while teachers' comments tended to relate to a learner's response to the task, as well as grammar. Feedback techniques varied noticeably in nature and scope, with a preference for 'appropriating' techniques such as direct correction of errors and prescriptive comments. It was concluded that teachers adopted idiosyncratic techniques and methods based on their experience, personal beliefs, and theories about feedback.
Descriptors: Error Correction, Feedback (Response), English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Grammar, Teaching Methods, Test Preparation, Language Tests, Private Schools, Foreign Countries, Essays, Writing (Composition), Teacher Attitudes, Language Teachers, Preferences, Mixed Methods Research, Semi Structured Interviews
TESL-EJ. e-mail: editor@tesl-ej.org; Web site: http://tesl-ej.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Arab Emirates
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: International English Language Testing System
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A