Written Corrective Feedback in EFL Writing: A Human-Machine Comparison

Susilawati Susilawati, Arrizqi Ramadhan, Nurhasanah Halim, Retno Dwigustini, Ali Satri Efendi

Abstract


Abstract: Human-written corrective feedback (HWCF) and automated written corrective feedback (AWCF) are trusted to benefit students’ writing in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) course in higher education. This study analyzed the different impacts offered by both types of feedback on students' EFL writing. A systematic literature review with a PSALSAR framework was employed, involving 11 articles with the following inclusion criteria: the articles are taken from the Scopus database; the focus is on the EFL courses in higher education institutions setting; published between 2020-2025, and can be openly accessed. The findings reveal that both types have a positive and negative impact on students’ writing. Positively, HWCF mostly impacts students’ writing accuracy on revising their composition, including grammar mastery, learning engagement, and conditional metacognitive awareness. However, students’ engagement on HWCF depends on their individual proficiency and the types of feedback delivered (direct or indirect). AWCF is positively beneficial due to its influence on students’ writing accuracy and time efficiency. Nevertheless, AWCF does not have any significant impact on students’ writing quality, and it offers decontextualized feedback. To conclude this research, practical implications for lecturers, university management, and future research are presented.

Abstrak: Umpan balik korektif yang ditulis oleh manusia (HWCF) dan umpan balik korektif yang ditulis secara otomatis (AWCF) dipercaya dapat memberikan manfaat bagi penulisan siswa dalam kursus Bahasa Inggris sebagai Bahasa Asing (EFL) di perguruan tinggi. Penelitian ini menganalisis dampak yang berbeda yang ditawarkan oleh kedua jenis umpan balik tersebut terhadap penulisan EFL siswa. Sebuah tinjauan literatur sistematis dengan kerangka PSALSAR digunakan dalam penelitian ini, dengan melibatkan 11 artikel yang memenuhi kriteria berikut: artikel diambil dari database Scopus; fokus pada kursus EFL di lingkungan pendidikan tinggi; diterbitkan antara tahun 2020-2025, dan dapat diakses secara terbuka. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa kedua tipe tersebut memiliki dampak positif dan negatif terhadap tulisan siswa. Secara positif, HWCF sebagian besar berdampak pada ketepatan siswa dalam merevisi komposisi mereka, termasuk penguasaan tata bahasa, keterlibatan belajar, dan kesadaran metakognitif bersyarat. Namun, keterlibatan siswa dalam HWCF bergantung pada kemampuan individu dan jenis umpan balik yang disampaikan (langsung atau tidak langsung). AWCF bermanfaat secara positif karena pengaruhnya terhadap akurasi penulisan dan efisiensi waktu siswa. Namun demikian, AWCF tidak memiliki dampak yang signifikan terhadap kualitas tulisan siswa, dan memberikan umpan balik yang tidak kontekstual. Sebagai kesimpulan dari penelitian ini, disajikan implikasi praktis untuk dosen, manajemen universitas dan penelitian selanjutnya.


Keywords


Human written corrective feedback; Automated written corrective feedback; Written corrective feedback EFL students’ writing.

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References


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