Exploring the effects of automated written corrective feedback, computer-mediated peer feedback and their combination mode on EFL learner’s writing performance

With the rapid advance in educational technology, electronic feedback (e-feedback) has found its way to EFL writing process. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of three e-feedback modes, that is, automated written corrective feedback (AWCF), asynchronous computer-mediated communication (ACMC), and their combination on EFL learner's writing performance and to examine learner's perceptions towards these three feedback modes. A total of 122 EFL learners from a Chinese university participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to four groups, each of which received a different type of feedback (i.e. self-feedback, AWCF, ACMC, AWCF plus ACMC) in their writing process. Findings revealed that the AWCF plus ACMC group outperformed the others in terms of complexity, accuracy, and fluency (CAF). In addition, the results of the questionnaire and interviews indicated that higher evaluations and more positive feelings went to the AWCF plus ACMC mode. These results suggest that this combination mode may meet individual needs in revising, maximize the writing effectiveness, and help the learners to become more autonomous and motivated in the writing process. Finally, implications for English writing pedagogy in the post-pandemic era are provided.