Comparing Chinese L2 writing performance in paper-based and computer-based modes: Perspectives from the writing product and process

Abstract

As writing is a complex language-producing process dependent on the writing environment and medium, the comparability of computer-based (CB) and paper-based (PB) writing assessments has been studied extensively since the emergence of computer-based language writing assessment. This study investigated the differences in the writing product and process between CB and PB modes of writing assessment in Chinese as a second language, of which the character writing system is considered challenging for learners. The many-facet Rasch model (MFRM) was adopted to reveal the text quality differences. Keystrokes and handwriting trace data were utilized to unveil insights into the writing process. The results showed that Chinese L2 learners generated higher-quality texts with fewer character mistakes in the CB mode. They revised much more, paused shorter and less frequently between lower-level linguistic units in the CB mode. The quality of CB text is associated with revision behavior, whereas pause duration serves as a stronger predictor of PB text quality. The findings suggest that the act of handwriting Chinese characters makes the construct of PB distinct from the CB writing assessment in L2 Chinese. Thus, the setting of the assessment mode should consider the target language use and the test taker’s characteristics.