English language learning
Davood Khedmatkar Arani; Mohammad Amiryousefi; Saeed Ketabi
Abstract
Objective: Despite the renewed interest in individual differences in second language acquisition (SLA), there is still limited research on the interconnections among regulatory focus (promotion and prevention), L2 grit (Consisting of perseverance of effort and consistency of interests), and emotions.
Methods: ...
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Objective: Despite the renewed interest in individual differences in second language acquisition (SLA), there is still limited research on the interconnections among regulatory focus (promotion and prevention), L2 grit (Consisting of perseverance of effort and consistency of interests), and emotions.
Methods: A total of 85 undergraduate English majors (54 women, mean age = 20 years) from two comprehensive universities in Iran took part in the research. Three questionnaires were used to assess the participants' promotion and prevention focuses, L2 grit, and English writing enjoyment. The data collected was analyzed using IBM SPSS (26.0) software.
Results: The correlational analysis revealed that regulatory focus, L2 grit, and L2 writing enjoyment are interconnected. Specifically, promotion focus positively correlated with L2 writing enjoyment and L2 grit. Additionally, L2 grit (Perseverance of Effort) connected meaningfully with L2 writing enjoyment. On the other hand, prevention focus demonstrated significant negative correlations with L2 writing enjoyment and L2 grit. Lastly, no significant relationship was found between L2 Grit (consistency of interest) and L2 Writing Enjoyment.
Conclusions: The study's results demonstrate the crucial findings regarding the interplay between different dimensions of grit, emotion, and personal best goals.
English language teaching
Sara Mirzaee; Zohreh Nafissi; Mehrdad Amiri
Abstract
Foreign language (FL) teacher agency, as a significant part of teachers’ professional development, encompasses self-organized efforts to augment professional growth. This study aimed to develop an ecological FL teacher agency model through a sequential exploratory mixed methods design based on ...
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Foreign language (FL) teacher agency, as a significant part of teachers’ professional development, encompasses self-organized efforts to augment professional growth. This study aimed to develop an ecological FL teacher agency model through a sequential exploratory mixed methods design based on which an assessment scale measuring FL teachers' agency value was developed. In the qualitative phase, developing and validating the FL teacher agency model, firstly, an interview guide was developed and piloted in a group of 10 TEFL teacher educators from Farhangian Teacher Education University in Tehran. Then, 30 in-service EFL teachers were interviewed. The data were analyzed through MAXQDA to find the components of the tentative conceptual model of teacher agency. Based on the interview analysis, the preliminary draft of the EFL teacher agency scale was developed. The refined EFL teacher agency questionnaire encompassing the three components of Autonomy, Freedom, and Choice was administered to 354 randomly selected EFL teachers and data were analyzed through SPSS. The scale's reliability was gained through Cronbach's alpha, and its construct validity through Exploratory Factor Analysis. The study findings could be used by foreign language teachers, teacher educators, and TEFL teacher agency researchers.
English language teaching
Masoomeh Estaji; Sara Toosi Tehrani
Abstract
This study explored teachers’ conceptions of online classroom observation, focusing on the key components, instructional design considerations, and delivery strategies in virtual teaching environments. More particularly, in this multi-method qualitative research design study, the researchers did ...
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This study explored teachers’ conceptions of online classroom observation, focusing on the key components, instructional design considerations, and delivery strategies in virtual teaching environments. More particularly, in this multi-method qualitative research design study, the researchers did document analysis of a number of available classroom observation sheets to derive some themes and sub-themes regarding the components of online classroom observation. Subsequently, based on the derived themes, semi-structured interview items were composed. Through purposive sampling, eight Iranian experienced online classroom observers were selected to be interviewed. Using MAXQDA to do content and thematic analysis, researchers found the eight components of instructional design and delivery, technology integration, student engagement and interaction, professional development and support, feedback provision, assessment of students’ learning and achievement, inclusive practices, and instructor presence and support in the data. Moreover, it was found that the integration of technology was highlighted to optimize observation experiences, student engagement, and instructional support. These findings have implications for professional development programs, re-evaluation of assessment practices, instructor presence, and technology integration in online learning contexts, all of which are crucial for equipping EFL instructors with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective online teaching.
English language teaching
afsaneh saeedakhtar; Afsar Rouhi; Reza Abdi; Jafar Parsanezhad
Abstract
This study examines the influence of output-based podcasts (OBPs), the mediating effect of funds of identity (FoI), and teacher corrective feedback (CF) on L2 speaking of Iranian pre-intermediate learners and their willingness to communicate (WTC). The study also surveys the attitudes of the experimental ...
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This study examines the influence of output-based podcasts (OBPs), the mediating effect of funds of identity (FoI), and teacher corrective feedback (CF) on L2 speaking of Iranian pre-intermediate learners and their willingness to communicate (WTC). The study also surveys the attitudes of the experimental groups toward OBPs and CF, as well as their probable attitude and WTC changes over time. To these ends, 60 participants recruited were randomly divided into two experimental groups (the OBPs + CF and theOBPs – CF group) and a control group. Podcasts were created based on themes congruent and incongruent with students' FoI. The data was collected through pretest, immediate and delayed posttests, (attitude, WTC, and FoI) questionnaires, reflective journals, as well as an interview. Results demonstrated that OBPs improved the experimental groups’ speaking ability. Moreover, CF pushed learners to perform better. FoI also proved to be pivotal in triggering learners’ WTC. Learners had positive attitudes toward OBPs as well as FoI in improving their speaking skill. Furthermore, learners’ WTC changed positively over time as a result of creating podcasts. Integrating FoI into creating podcasts improved learners' performance and their WTC.
English language teaching
Nasim Mehrabian; Hadi Salehi; Omid Tabatabaei; Hossein Vahid-Dastjerdi
Abstract
This study aimed, firstly, to examine the relationship between university EFL teachers’ critical thinking tendencies and their problem-solving skills, and secondly, to explore the prediction of university EFL teachers’ critical thinking tendencies by problem-solving skills, gender, and teaching ...
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This study aimed, firstly, to examine the relationship between university EFL teachers’ critical thinking tendencies and their problem-solving skills, and secondly, to explore the prediction of university EFL teachers’ critical thinking tendencies by problem-solving skills, gender, and teaching experience. The study was designed in correlational survey method. In total, 70 university EFL teachers (35 males and 35 females), from Azad and Payame Noor universities located in Isfahan and Ilam provinces teaching undergraduate students majoring in English, participated in this research. Data were collected via the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory and the Problem Solving Inventory. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient, and stepwise regression analysis. The relationship between critical thinking tendencies and problem-solving skills was investigated through Pearson Product Moments Correlation Coefficient, and stepwise regression analysis was run to determine whether university EFL teachers' problem-solving skills, gender, and teaching experience can significantly predict their critical thinking tendencies. The findings indicated that there was a positive, moderate, and significant relationship between university EFL teachers' problem-solving skills and their critical thinking tendencies, while there was no significant difference according to gender.
English language teaching
Alireza Sohrabi; Hassan Soodmand Afshar
Abstract
This study aimed at exploring and comparing the perception of the Iranian TEFL Preservice Teachers (PSTs) and the corresponding stakeholders on major issues, problems and challenges of the practicum program at Farhangian University. A researcher-made practicum evaluation questionnaire was distributed ...
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This study aimed at exploring and comparing the perception of the Iranian TEFL Preservice Teachers (PSTs) and the corresponding stakeholders on major issues, problems and challenges of the practicum program at Farhangian University. A researcher-made practicum evaluation questionnaire was distributed (including 230 PSTs and 215 stakeholders) whose answers were analyzed through factor analysis. Based on factor loadings, nine major extracted factors in the two participant groups were compared through Independent Samples t-tests. The results showed that PSTs and stakeholders shared common perceptions on six factors while they held different perceptions only on three other factors. A semi-structured interview was designed and conducted with 15 PSTs and 15 stakeholders. Finally, 10 practicum courses were observed to obtain an accurate understanding of the current situation of ELT PSTs’ internship education. The findings uncovered major issues and challenges regarding ELT practicum including (a) limited adaptability and innovation in instructional approaches, resources, and materials utilized by the cooperating teachers who served as a role model for PSTs, (b) insufficient collaboration between educational institutions and universities, and (c) lack of proper supervision by university advisors, d) insufficiency of time allotted to PSTs for teaching
English language teaching
Reza Rezvani; Ahmad Izadi
Abstract
The emergence of technological advances dramatically changed the status of foreign language teaching forever, making computer-assisted language learning (CALL) a key area in foreign language teaching and later a distinct academic discipline at the higher education level. The present study describes the ...
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The emergence of technological advances dramatically changed the status of foreign language teaching forever, making computer-assisted language learning (CALL) a key area in foreign language teaching and later a distinct academic discipline at the higher education level. The present study describes the intended curriculum of a two-year post-graduate technology-enhanced language teaching program launched at Al-Zahra University, a women’s university in Tehran, Iran, as well as the national context within which the program was developed. It begins with a background on the significance of technology in education followed by a brief history of education in Iran. The main part of the paper describes the intended curriculum of the program from different perspectives including the aims and rationales, significance of the program, student profile (who takes it) and sources of the M.A. admission examination, abilities intended for graduates, courses of the program, syllabus and recommended readings, and assessment of the course outcomes. The paper finally concludes by discussing what is not included in the curriculum as well as the implications for teacher educators and suggestions for further research.
English language learning
Hooshang Khoshsima; Ali Beikian; Bahroz Mawlood
Abstract
The flipped classroom approach has gained traction in language education; however, its application within English for Specific Purposes (ESP) remains underexplored. The present study investigates the impact of flipped classroom instruction on ESP students’ reading comprehension with a focus on their ...
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The flipped classroom approach has gained traction in language education; however, its application within English for Specific Purposes (ESP) remains underexplored. The present study investigates the impact of flipped classroom instruction on ESP students’ reading comprehension with a focus on their attitudes toward the model. Adopting a quasi-experimental methodology, the study utilized pretest and posttest assessments alongside a 15-item Likert-scale questionnaire to gather data. The research sample comprised 21 second-semester ESP students from Guilan University, who engaged in a 10-week intervention. Pre-class preparation included instructional videos and reading materials, while classroom activities centered on group discussions and practical problem-solving tasks. Findings demonstrated a substantial enhancement in posttest scores, validating the approach as effective for improving reading comprehension. The survey results revealed highly positive student attitudes, particularly in terms of engagement, autonomy, and collaborative learning. These findings highlight the potential of the flipped classroom model to address the unique academic requirements of ESP students by blending discipline-specific resources with interactive learning strategies.
English language teaching
Mehran Memari; Fateme Hafez
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of corrective feedback on Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ interlanguage pragmatic (ILP) development in the context of invitation acceptance and declination. Three intact experimental groups were selected via convenience sampling from an English ...
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This study investigates the effect of corrective feedback on Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ interlanguage pragmatic (ILP) development in the context of invitation acceptance and declination. Three intact experimental groups were selected via convenience sampling from an English institute in Tehran: a recast group (N = 13), a metalinguistic group (N = 17), and a clarification request group (N = 12). Prior to the treatment, the groups participated in a dialogic extended discourse pretest. The dialogues for invitation acceptance and declination were drawn from Top Notch, American English File, English Result, and Four Corners. Learners’ performance was assessed using two checklists—one for pragmalinguistic and the other for sociopragmatic knowledge—based on a five-item Likert scale ranging from inappropriate to most appropriate. Treatment sessions were conducted three times per week, each lasting 60 minutes, over a period of one month. The findings reveal that corrective feedback significantly enhanced ILP development. Notably, the metalinguistic group outperformed the recast and clarification request groups. Consequently, metalinguistic corrective feedback proved more effective than recast and clarification feedback in fostering Iranian EFL learners’ ILP development concerning invitation acceptance and declination.
English language teaching
Sorour Zekrati; Hossein Barati; Manijeh Youhanaee
Abstract
Higher levels of student engagement are positively linked to higher learning achievement. However, enhancing student engagement in underprivileged and crowded educational contexts, specifically where high-tech tools are not available can cause a major challenge for teachers. The current study attempts ...
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Higher levels of student engagement are positively linked to higher learning achievement. However, enhancing student engagement in underprivileged and crowded educational contexts, specifically where high-tech tools are not available can cause a major challenge for teachers. The current study attempts to enhance students’ engagement in their learning by incorporating mini white-boards (MWs) as low-tech response systems. To this end, in a time-series design, an instruction-feedback cycle via mini white-boards was manipulated over a semester. Data were collected through observing students’ behaviors using engagement checklists. An attitude questionnaire was also administered to assess students' perceptions of using mini white-boards in their learning context. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize individuals’ engagement patterns across the study period. Additionally, a mixed-effects model was employed to account for individual variability and to assess the effects of the intervention on students’ engagement over time. The results indicated that using mini white-boards caused significant improvements in students’ overall engagement and attitude. The findings suggest that using low-tech solutions in low socio-economic settings can foster student engagement by allowing real-time feedback, collaborative interaction, and personalized participation.
English language learning
Sajjad Gharibeh Gharibeh; Zhila Mohammadnia; Mehdi Sarkhosh
Abstract
Language learning is a multifaceted process influenced by various factors, including learners’ individual preferences and cognitive strengths. This mixed-methods study investigates how dominant intelligences influence the instructional preferences and perceptions of 30 male Turkish-speaking EFL learners, ...
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Language learning is a multifaceted process influenced by various factors, including learners’ individual preferences and cognitive strengths. This mixed-methods study investigates how dominant intelligences influence the instructional preferences and perceptions of 30 male Turkish-speaking EFL learners, aged 13-17, using a structured questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The research explores the relationship between learners’ intelligences and specific teaching approaches, with data analyzed through both quantitative and qualitative methods. Participants were categorized into two groups based on their dominant intelligences: Group A (interpersonal and intrapersonal) and Group B (linguistic and visual/spatial). Analysis of the data reveals that learners gravitate towards learning styles that align with their dominant intelligences, with Group A favoring interactive and self-directed approaches, while Group B leans towards visual and experiential methods. Despite a limited awareness of MI theory, the participants express satisfaction with MI-based instruction, viewing it as more engaging and effective compared to traditional methods. This study underscores the significance of incorporating learner preferences into language instruction and highlights the potential of MI-based approaches to enhance learner engagement and motivation.
English language teaching
Sara Ziaei; Mansoor Tavakoli
Abstract
The study examined how effective ChatGPT, compared to human raters, is for scoring writing tasks, when tasks were arranged from simple to complex or vice versa. In so doing, a correlational design was employed. The participants were 113 EFL learners. Two sets of writing tasks were customized based on ...
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The study examined how effective ChatGPT, compared to human raters, is for scoring writing tasks, when tasks were arranged from simple to complex or vice versa. In so doing, a correlational design was employed. The participants were 113 EFL learners. Two sets of writing tasks were customized based on the SSARC (simplify, stabilize, automatize, reconstruct, complexify) model. Task design incorporated resource-dispersing and resource-directing components as outlined in Robinson's Triadic Componential Framework (TCF). The participants were divided into two groups. They took a pre-test. One group performed the tasks in the S-C, whereas the other performed them in the C-S sequence. The participants enhanced their text based on comments on tasks. After that, they took a posttest. Human raters and ChatGPT scored the tests. A Pearson Correlation test was run to obtain the correlation between a human rater and ChatGPT. The results indicated a strong positive correlation between IELTS scores assessed by human raters and those by ChatGPT when tasks were arranged from S-C (r = 968, p > 05) or C-S (r = 860, p > 05). These findings suggest that ChatGPT can be an effective tool for writing assessments.
English language teaching
Ali Akbar Ariamanesh; Mohammad Hajimohammadi; Fereshte Dehghan Manshadi
Abstract
As a national high-stakes test of English proficiency, MSRT needs further scrutiny of reliability. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate different sources of variation that may impact the MSRT test-takers’ reading comprehension. Accordingly, some factors including the reading topics, item types, ...
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As a national high-stakes test of English proficiency, MSRT needs further scrutiny of reliability. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate different sources of variation that may impact the MSRT test-takers’ reading comprehension. Accordingly, some factors including the reading topics, item types, and participants’ general proficiency were delved into based on the scores obtained from 60 MSRT prospective candidates. Upon administering a sample of the reading subtest taken from a recent version of MSRT, the collected data was dichotomously scored and then analyzed in terms of internal consistency, inter-correlations, and causal patterns. The yielded results showed an overall reliability of 0.86 for the reading module, while a moderate interrelationship was obtained amongst the passages (r = 0.47) as well as the item types (r = 0.44). Furthermore, the Mixed ANOVA results demonstrated that topic and item type significantly affected the reading performance, whereas the proficiency factor did not play a conspicuous role in distinguishing the participants’ reading accomplishment. Both theoretically and operationally, the results reported through this study may stress the need for reconsidering the influence of such test-method facets as topic and item type in the MSRT reading subtest.
English language learning
zahra cheraghi; Maryam Meshkat; Somayeh Kazem Khanlou
Abstract
In response to the persistent challenges of writing education and the evolving needs of digital-native learners, there is a growing demand for innovative approaches. The rapid advancement of technology has led to the widespread popularity of corrective automatic feedback tools such as Grammarly. This ...
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In response to the persistent challenges of writing education and the evolving needs of digital-native learners, there is a growing demand for innovative approaches. The rapid advancement of technology has led to the widespread popularity of corrective automatic feedback tools such as Grammarly. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of integrating the free version of Grammarly into the writing-learning process for EFL learners. Employing a quantitative approach, 33 EFL academic students majoring in TEFL at Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University were randomly allocated to a single group. Through the application of one-way Repeated Measures MANOVA across six writing tasks, the findings demonstrated a consistent utilization of Grammarly as an automatic corrective feedback tool at six different time points, significantly enhancing writing performance. To pinpoint the specific factors contributing to this advancement, an RM-MANOVA was performed on four distinct writing component mistakes made by participants: grammatical errors, spelling inaccuracies, punctuation lapses, and issues related to clarity. The investigation revealed that grammatical errors exhibited progress, while other components remained unchanged. The outcomes of this study offer contributions to the field of ELT, particularly policy makers to reconsider the existing EFL curriculum.
English language teaching
Atta Ghasem Tahimash; Reza Khany; Reza Shahi
Abstract
The present study aimed to explore how the ELT curriculum is perceived, adopted, and implemented by EFL high school teachers. This study also shed some light on several effective factors in curriculum planning and practicing. Data for this study came from a survey and follow-up interviews with EFL teachers. ...
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The present study aimed to explore how the ELT curriculum is perceived, adopted, and implemented by EFL high school teachers. This study also shed some light on several effective factors in curriculum planning and practicing. Data for this study came from a survey and follow-up interviews with EFL teachers. The Findings revealed some critical systemic gaps between policy and practice: (1) a disconnect between policymaking processes and established ELT pedagogical theories; (2) insufficient incorporation of stakeholder voices, particularly teachers, during policy formulation; (3) neglect of teacher agency, professional needs, and motivational factors in curriculum design; and (4) an absence of foundational needs analysis research to inform policy decisions. The study underscores the imperative of prioritizing teacher autonomy, participatory policymaking, and evidence-based frameworks in curriculum development. To mitigate disparities between policy objectives and classroom practices, recommendations include decentralizing decision-making to empower educators, integrating teacher feedback into policy cycles, leveraging academic expertise, and fostering context-sensitive adaptations of global ELT methodologies. These insights contribute to broader regional discussions on educational equity, teacher professionalization, and sustainable language policy reforms in institutional settings.
English language teaching
Mohammad Bahrami; Reihane Shoghi; Amir Mahshanian
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of summative, formative, and combined assessments on the development of listening and reading comprehension skills in advanced Iranian EFL learners. Data were collected from 40 participants divided into three experimental groups, each receiving one of the assessment ...
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This study investigates the effects of summative, formative, and combined assessments on the development of listening and reading comprehension skills in advanced Iranian EFL learners. Data were collected from 40 participants divided into three experimental groups, each receiving one of the assessment types (summative, formative, or a combination of both), along with a control group. Learners’ progress in listening and reading comprehension was measured over a four-month period using pre- and post-tests administered at the end of the term. Data analysis involved ANOVA, ANCOVA, and post hoc LSD tests. The findings of this longitudinal study revealed that while the combined application of formative and summative assessments had a significant positive impact on listening comprehension, neither assessment type alone contributed to improvement in this area. In contrast, the results showed that all forms of assessment—whether summative, formative, or combined—led to notable improvements in reading comprehension. These results highlight the differential effects of assessment types on listening and reading skills, suggesting implications for assessment practices in EFL contexts.
English language learning
Marzieh Emadi; Ali Arabmofrad
Abstract
This meta-analysis provides a comprehensive evaluation of research studies on computerized dynamic assessment (C-DA) in English language teaching and learning, addressing the need for a systematic overview in light of recent technological advancements. A systematic search across three databases (ERIC, ...
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This meta-analysis provides a comprehensive evaluation of research studies on computerized dynamic assessment (C-DA) in English language teaching and learning, addressing the need for a systematic overview in light of recent technological advancements. A systematic search across three databases (ERIC, Web of Science, and Scopus) initially identified 2807 articles, with 22 C-DA studies meeting the inclusion criteria after screening. Findings reveal that C-DA significantly enhances language learning outcomes, particularly in reading and listening and writing skills, with large effect sizes reported across multiple studies. Interventionist approaches and quasi-experimental designs were most commonly used, reinforcing the strong impact of mediation on bridging learners' actual and potential performance. While C-DA demonstrated substantial improvements in skill-based outcomes, its effects on affective factors like anxiety and intrinsic motivation were more modest. These findings highlight C-DA’s potential as a transformative tool in language assessment and instruction, particularly when mediation is tailored to learners' needs. However, integrating C-DA with complementary strategies may be necessary to address psychological and motivational factors.
English language learning
Zahra Jafari; Hamid Reza Dowlatabadi
Abstract
Speech act theory is crucial for understanding the intricate dynamics of human communication, as it helps explain how language is used to perform actions beyond the literal meanings of words. While traditional frameworks offer valuable classifications of speech acts, the evolving nature of communication ...
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Speech act theory is crucial for understanding the intricate dynamics of human communication, as it helps explain how language is used to perform actions beyond the literal meanings of words. While traditional frameworks offer valuable classifications of speech acts, the evolving nature of communication requires reconsideration and expansion of these conventional approaches. The researchers of this study propose an innovative framework for speech act classifications, one that surpasses traditional boundaries and embraces the nuanced complexities of modern discourse.Based on seminal works by Austin (1962) and Searle (1969), and important research by Grice (1975), Levinson (1983), as well as emerging perspectives from Verschueren (1999) and Sbisà (2002), the researchers critically assess current classifications, identifying key challenges and opportunities in speech act analysis. This framework introduces new categories such as Metaplocutionary Acts, Interlocutionary Acts, and Negotiation Acts, offering a more comprehensive and context-sensitive approach to understanding speech acts. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and empirical validation, the researchers aim to refine and apply this framework across diverse linguistic and cultural contexts, paving the way for a dynamic and nuanced comprehension of human communication.
English language learning
Seyed Reza Dashtestani; S. Yahya Hejazi; Mohammed Abed Salih Albadri
Abstract
The increasing advancement of technology in the field of teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) has turned blended learning—a combination of online and in-person learning—into an innovative educational approach. Given the significance of investigating students' attitudes toward learning ...
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The increasing advancement of technology in the field of teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) has turned blended learning—a combination of online and in-person learning—into an innovative educational approach. Given the significance of investigating students' attitudes toward learning environments in different EFL contexts, this mixed-methods study was set to examine Iraqi university EFL students' attitudes toward blended EFL courses and investigate gender differences in this regard. Thus, 250 EFL students were selected from five public Iraqi universities via convenience sampling method and completed the questionnaire of the study. Of these participants, a random sample of 25 students was also selected for interview sessions. The questionnaire results suggested that due to serious technological and instructional drawbacks, such as lack of appropriate infrastructure and insufficient technology knowledge, Iraqi EFL students had generally negative attitudes toward EFL blended courses. Gender also played no significant role in students' attitudes. In interviews, they emphasized the importance of technology training programs to pave the way for effective blended EFL courses, mentioning some important benefits for this hybrid approach. The pedagogical implications of the findings are also discussed.
English language teaching
Mohsen Banisharif Dehkordi; Parisa Riahipour; Fariba Rahimi Esfahani
Abstract
This study examined the impact of AI-driven feedback on the writing complexity of Iranian intermediate EFL learners using a quasi-experimental design. Through convenience sampling, 100 participants (male and female, aged 18-25) from two language institutes in Tehran were divided into four groups: two ...
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This study examined the impact of AI-driven feedback on the writing complexity of Iranian intermediate EFL learners using a quasi-experimental design. Through convenience sampling, 100 participants (male and female, aged 18-25) from two language institutes in Tehran were divided into four groups: two experimental groups receiving direct and indirect feedback from AI ChatGPT, and two control groups receiving the same feedback types from their teacher. Participants completed a pre-test, ten writing tasks over 14 weeks, and a post-test. Results, analyzed via descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA, indicated notable improvements in writing complexity across all groups. The AI direct feedback group showed the highest improvement, with a mean difference of 5.24 (p < 0.05), followed by the teacher direct feedback group, which also demonstrated significant gains. The AI indirect feedback group exhibited moderate progress, while the teacher indirect feedback group showed the least improvement. Analysis of syntactic measures revealed that AI feedback, particularly direct feedback, effectively enhanced sentence structures and encouraged the use of more sophisticated vocabulary. These findings highlight AI-driven feedback’s potential to enhance EFL learners’ writing complexity, with direct feedback yielding the greatest benefits.
