Effects of Metalinguistic Explanation and Direct Correction on EFL Learners’ Linguistic Accuracy

Abstract

Experts generally believe that written corrective feedback (CF) positively affects writing quality and learners’ accurate use of language. However, researchers have not yet identified the most effective type of written CF or sufficiently explored the relation between type of written CF and targeted linguistic category. Thus, this study investigated the effects of metalinguistic explanation and direct correction on Chinese English as a foreign language learners’ correct use of 3 different linguistic categories. The study involved 75 university students who were divided into 3 groups: a metalinguistic explanation group, a direct correction group, and a control group. Using a mixed-methods approach, we found significant differences among the 3 groups and found that direct correction was particularly effective when treating the irregular past tense. However, in a follow-up case study, no evidence indicated the ineffectiveness of either metalinguistic explanation or direct correction for any of the targeted linguistic categories. We discuss implications for future studies.