Abstract

The assessment of writing proficiency generally includes analyses of the specific linguistic and rhetorical features contained in the singular essays produced by students. However, researchers have recently proposed that an individual’s ability to flexibly adapt the linguistic properties of their writing might more closely capture writing skill. However, the features of the task, learner, and educational context that influence this flexibility remain largely unknown. The current study extends this research by examining relations between linguistic flexibility, reading comprehension ability, and feedback in the context of an automated writing evaluation system. Students (n = 131) wrote and revised six essays in an automated writing evaluation system and were provided both summative and formative feedback on their writing. Additionally, half of the students had access to a spelling and grammar checker that provided lower-level feedback during the writing period. The results provide evidence for the fact that developing writers demonstrate linguistic flexibility across the essays that they produce. However, analyses also indicate that lower-level feedback (i.e., spelling and grammar feedback) have little to no impact on the properties of students’ essays nor on their variability across prompts or drafts. Overall, the current study provides important insights into the role of flexibility in writing skill and develops a strong foundation on which to conduct future research and educational interventions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 8th International Conference on Learning Analytics and Knowledge
Subtitle of host publicationTowards User-Centred Learning Analytics, LAK 2018
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery
Pages380-388
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9781450364003
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 7 2018
Event8th International Conference on Learning Analytics and Knowledge, LAK 2018 - Sydney, Australia
Duration: Mar 5 2018Mar 9 2018

Publication series

NameACM International Conference Proceeding Series

Other

Other8th International Conference on Learning Analytics and Knowledge, LAK 2018
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney
Period3/5/183/9/18

Keywords

  • Feedback
  • Flexibility
  • Natural language processing
  • Revision
  • Writing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
  • Computer Networks and Communications

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