Understanding EFL student writers’ metacognitive awareness in utilizing ChatGPT

IF 5.6 1区文学 Q1 EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

System Pub Date : 2025-09-22 DOI:10.1016/j.system.2025.103848

Mark Feng Teng

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Understanding metacognition in using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) for academic writing is a research gap. This mixed-method study of combining survey data with interview insights aims to bridge this gap of understanding EFL learners' metacognitive awareness in utilizing ChatGPT for EFL academic writing feedback and their metacognitive practices and experiences in using ChatGPT to obtain feedback for writing. The research involved 452 EFL undergraduate students enrolled in a semester-long writing course. The quantitative analysis confirmed the validity of the metacognitive awareness scale, providing a robust measure for assessing learners' awareness in using ChatGPT for writing. Complementing these findings, the qualitative analysis of interview data offered a detailed understanding of students' metacognitive awareness. The results revealed varied levels of metacognitive awareness in GenAI use, ranging from simply copying words generated by ChatGPT to effectively leveraging the tool for writing feedback and improvement. These findings underscore the complex interplay between ChatGPT and human writers, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in its use. The study highlights a need to foster metacognitive awareness to ensure students’ engagement with ChatGPT responsibly, using it as a tool for writing rather than as a substitute for genuine effort.

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了解英语学生作家使用聊天语言时的元认知意识

利用生成式人工智能（GenAI）进行学术写作的元认知理解是一个研究空白。本研究将调查数据与访谈见解相结合，采用混合方法进行研究，旨在了解英语学习者利用ChatGPT获取英语学术写作反馈的元认知意识，以及他们使用ChatGPT获取写作反馈的元认知实践和经验。这项研究涉及452名参加了一学期写作课程的英语本科生。定量分析证实了元认知意识量表的有效性，为评估学习者使用聊天语言写作的意识提供了有力的措施。与这些发现相辅相成的是，访谈数据的定性分析提供了对学生元认知意识的详细了解。结果显示，在使用GenAI时，元认知意识的水平各不相同，从简单地复制ChatGPT生成的单词到有效地利用该工具撰写反馈和改进。这些发现强调了ChatGPT和人类作家之间复杂的相互作用，强调了在使用ChatGPT时需要考虑伦理问题。该研究强调了培养元认知意识的必要性，以确保学生负责任地使用ChatGPT，将其作为写作工具，而不是作为真正努力的替代品。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

System Multiple-

CiteScore

8.80

自引率

8.30%

发文量

202

审稿时长

64 days

期刊介绍： This international journal is devoted to the applications of educational technology and applied linguistics to problems of foreign language teaching and learning. Attention is paid to all languages and to problems associated with the study and teaching of English as a second or foreign language. The journal serves as a vehicle of expression for colleagues in developing countries. System prefers its contributors to provide articles which have a sound theoretical base with a visible practical application which can be generalized. The review section may take up works of a more theoretical nature to broaden the background.