This study starts with the need for the criteria of writing evaluation that provides the useful basis for judgement in writing class. Questioning the existing writing evaluation that has been conducted based on writing theory, this study aims at estab...
This study starts with the need for the criteria of writing evaluation that provides the useful basis for judgement in writing class. Questioning the existing writing evaluation that has been conducted based on writing theory, this study aims at establishing a reasonable criteria for writing evaluation by supplementing theories on measurement and evaluation as well as writing theory.
In this study, we defined the concepts of criteria for writing evaluation as 'concepts or attributes' of target of evaluation and examined the existing evaluation criteria for writing that focuses on three aspects such as content, structure and expression. Based on this examination, we established a new criteria for writing evaluation (draft) after taking into account the existing criteria for writing evaluation and responses by those who are currently involved in Korean language education. Further, in order to secure representation in items, we asked specialists of writing evaluation to determine appropriateness of the criteria for writing evaluation (draft). After revising the criteria for writing evaluation (draft), we secured credibility on the draft by carrying out a preliminary test on 30 teachers in Seoul. Thereafter, in the main test, we did stratified sampling in two stages by school grade and district size, and asked respondents to evaluate its importance. The respondents consisted of elementary school teachers and Korean language teachers at secondary schools.
In this study, in an effort to establish the criteria for writing evaluation based on the materials collected in this way, we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis through exploratory factor analysis and structural equations model. After carrying out statistical testing, we identified each of the criteria for writing evaluation as follows:
First of all, we established appropriateness of topics, feasibility of arguments and reasons, appropriateness of expression and systematic structure and consideration of readers as the evaluation criteria for persuasive writing. In addition, when it comes to the evaluation criteria for informative writing, we included appropriateness and credibility of information on subjects to explain, systematic structure, appropriateness of expression and consideration of readers. As for the evaluation criteria for expressive writing, we established pleasure to readers, expression of writers' values, organized structure, unique expression, creative content and credible content. In addition, we presented the relationship between writers and readers, friendly expression, clarity of content and appropriateness of expression as the criteria of writing for relationship.
In light of these results, we can confirm that the criteria for writing evaluation varies depending on the purpose of writing. Therefore, when we apply the criteria for writing evaluation for students, it is desirable for us to utilize each criteria specified in this study depending on the purpose of communication. Given the fact that the structure of writing was established as a common key evaluation criteria regardless of the purposes of writing, we can confirm that the structure of writing is an essential important criteria for students to learn.
The most noticeable feature of the evaluation criteria in this study is the factor 'consideration of readers'. Despite of the importance of readers who will read articles, it is very rare that the factor of readers is provided as the evaluation criteria. This study is significant in that it raised awareness on the criteria for writing evaluation based on the performance of the existing writing theory. In addition, when it comes to expression, this study drew a conclusion that it is more reasonable to carry out the writing evaluation based on appropriateness rather than accuracy that was emphasized before.
Such evaluation criteria established in this study can be helpful in evaluating students' writing as follows. First of all, the writing evaluation criteria can provide detailed methods and tools to properly collect the information for evaluating students' writing, and offer a meaningful indicator to interpret the information on students' writing collected from the evaluation.
In addition, the information of students' writing gained from the evaluation criteria can be utilized for diverse purposes depending on when decision-making is required. Therefore, the evaluation can be not only a tool to measure students' achievement levels, but also a useful strategy for writing class. The criteria specified in this study can be used as a strategy for writing class that offers meaningful information to both students and teachers in overall writing classes.