This study describes a method that enables peer and teacher feedback for a student’s writing exercises by using Classting, a social networking service for education that targets students that are learning to write and explores patterns in the feedba...
This study describes a method that enables peer and teacher feedback for a student’s writing exercises by using Classting, a social networking service for education that targets students that are learning to write and explores patterns in the feedback that is provided to reflect suggestions for rewriting in the Korean language. In addition, this study analyzes the student's perception and reaction to the service and also evaluates the feedback provided when using Classting.
The research questions were as follows. First, what pattern of peer feedback occurs during writing activities when using Classting? Second, how is peer feedback reflected when students rewrite? Third, how do students perceive and evaluate peer feedback in Classting?
This study targeted 4th grade students in S elementary school in Bucheon, where the author works. The students were asked to write a draft using Classting, and the author attempted to facilitate interaction through peer feedback. The feedback that had been received was reflected when rewriting had been conducted.
The results of the feedback on writings of students showed the feedbacks on contents of writings dominated in the Classting contrary to those on the writings on paper which were mostly oriented to the constitution and expression of writings. Furthermore, in terms of the feedback expression method, when students write with paper, most of the feedback simply points out errors or provides compliments while when using Classting, sympathy for the contents or the expression of emotion appeared frequently. The cases where reviewers simply pointed out errors decreased, and comments that provided reasons for the errors or alternatives ways to write an expression increased. Moreover, the feedback was provided in both directions, and the expression methods that were close to dialogue were observed, unlike when writing with paper.
In terms of the rewriting patterns, there were differences in the writing ability in terms of the rewriting that reflected peer feedback when using paper and when using Classting. Students in the high or in the middle group reflect peer feedback when rewriting both when using paper and when using Classting, but a more intense pattern was revealed when using Classting, and more enthusiasm was also revealed. On the other hand, students in the low group had more difficulty in rewriting to reflect peer feedback when using Classting than when using paper. This was not only due to the difficulty of the writing process itself but also due to the pressure caused by the unfamiliarity with the new tool. This means that technological tools do not necessarily guarantee success for achieving class goals. Therefore, when designing a class, the teacher's role is very important in strengthening the effects of technological tools and reducing disturbance factors.
The feedback provided by students when using Classting indicated that they preferred feedback that suggested strengths and weaknesses as well as containing reasons and alternatives. The writing feedback was helpful for the rewriting process. When using Classting, many students perceived that their writing had improved because they could receive practical help through a variety of specific comments, and students responded that they were able to consider the point of view of the readers better than when using paper. They were also motivated to write better articles due to the encouragement and compliments received from other people.
This study has a meaning in that it draws significant results of how useful the Classting can be. This new tools allows for feedback between students, and it results in changes to student's writing by changing the perception and attitude students have as authors.