Automated Essay Evaluation Software in English Language Arts Classrooms: Effects on Amount, Type, and Level of Feedback

• In Event: Classroom Assessment Research on Interventions and Student Learning

Abstract

Automated essay evaluation (AEE) systems are increasingly relied on to provide students with automated feedback in the form of essay ratings and individualized suggestions for revisions. However, insufficient research has examined the use of AEE in instructional settings. In particular, research has not yet explored how AEE can be used in conjunction with teacher feedback to support writing outcomes. The current study examined whether eighth-grade ELA varied the type and level of feedback given based on the use of an AEE system called PEGWriting or GoogleDocs; and (b) whether the amount, type, and level of feedback predicted students’ writing quality scores. Findings indicated that teachers varied the amount and level, but not the type of feedback across conditions.

Authors

• Joshua Wilson, University of Delawarere

• Amanda Czik, University of Delaware