Tracking EFL children’s learning: A longitudinal study of noticing and incorporation of features in model-based and self-correction tasks

The current body of literature on model texts as a written corrective feedback (WCF) technique has primarily examined the interaction among participants, or the quality of written drafts. However, there is a notable gap in understanding the impact of a child’s oral interaction on their written output and the traceability of their noticing. Using a longitudinal design, the research involved 60 children (aged 11–12 years) studying English as a foreign language (EFL) who were divided into three groups: a treatment group (TG); a long-term treatment group (LTG); and a control group (CG). The treatment groups received either short-term or long-term feedback incorporating model texts as exemplars of proficient writing, while the CG relied on self-correction of their texts. The results indicate that (1) the LTG made significantly more (acceptable) revisions compared to other groups; (2) they incorporated a broader range of features in their revisions compared to previous instances and compared to their counterparts; (3) the traceability of many of these changes originated in the first draft, indicating a connection to their prior work with model texts; (4) these improvements were observed in the post-test as well; (5) some second language (L2) features emerged later in the writing process, suggesting a delayed effect of the WCF; and (6) the LTG also showed a statistically significant improvement in the accuracy of features incorporated into their subsequent writing. A number of pedagogical implications will be discussed.