Perceived impact of online written feedback on students' writing and learning: a reflection. Issue 6 (2nd November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Delante, Nimrod L.
• Is Part Of: Reflective practice. Volume 18:Issue 6(2017)
• Page Start: 772
• Page End: 804
• Publication Date: 2017-11-02
• Subjects: Reflection -- online written feedback -- feedback types -- feedback functions -- learner dependence -- learning autonomy; Professions -- Periodicals; Reflection (Philosophy) -- Periodicals; Thought and thinking -- Periodicals; Self-knowledge, Theory of -- Periodicals; Career development -- Periodicals; 370.15
• DOI: 10.1080/14623943.2017.1351351
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-3943

Abstract

Abstract: In this reflective study, I perceive the impact of my own written feedback on students' academic writing skills in particular and on learning in general. Anchored on Schon's reflection-on-action (ROA) framework, my reflection arose from a content analysis of my written feedback on 80 student drafts and 44 feedback responses. I found that my written feedback is of two types: focus on form and focus on meaning . Coding the feedback led to an identification of six feedback functions: instructive/using imperatives (18.36%); suggestive (15.31%); asking questions/probing (23.98%); stating a personal opinion (6.12%); corrective (29.59%); and affirming/negating (6.63%). The categorisation of feedback according to these functions was influenced by Wolsey's feedback functions (2008) which was adapted by Alvarez, Espasa and Guasch. Results revealed that I employ corrective feedback, probing questions and instructive feedback more frequently than suggestive feedback, personal statement or affirmation/negation. I also found that my feedback on form (59%) is higher than my feedback on meaning (41%). I explain the relationship of these findings by identifying some confounding factors that enabled me to interrogate my assumptions, along with a discussion of their implications.