The effectiveness of using corrective feedback in writing

Abstract

This study analyzes the effectiveness of corrective written feedback within the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Second Language (ESL). For this purpose, the research methodology applied consists of an exploratory bibliographic research, addressing two research questions: a) How effective is corrective feedback to improve the writing skill of EFL-ESL students? and b) Does corrective feedback decrease grammar errors of EFL/ESL students? In relation to the first question, findings show that written corrective feedback is an effective method to improve grammar skills. Such improvement consists of the students’ accuracy to correct and rectify grammar structures. On the other hand, in response to the second question, a significant effect in the reduction of grammar errors was identified, particularly in the writing of new texts, where the most relevant methods of corrective feedback are the direct method with metalinguistic explanation and the recast method.