Explicit strategy-based instruction in L2 writing contexts: A perspective of self-regulated learning and formative assessment

Abstract

Recent studies have pinpointed the critical and optimal role of self-regulated learning (SRL) in strategy instruction in second/foreign language (L2) research. To provide empirical grounding for developing self-regulated, strategic learners, this study developed an integrated model of SRL strategy instruction which was integrated with formative assessment and a process-genre approach and then examined its effects on L2 writing quality and motivational beliefs. This was a quasi-experimental research design, in which the experimental group received a 16-week SRL strategy instruction while the comparison group received a regular writing course over the same time period. Pretest, posttest, and delayed posttest of writing performance were conducted to examine students’ changes in writing quality in terms of content, organization, vocabulary, language, and mechanics. A self-report questionnaire was administered to both groups in the pretest and the posttest to investigate the development of motivational beliefs (i.e., task value, intrinsic goal orientation, extrinsic goal orientation, control of learning beliefs, and self-efficacy of learning and performance). Results of mixed factorial ANOVAs revealed the experimental group outperformed the comparison group in the overall writing scores and the subscores (e.g., content, organization, vocabulary, and language) in the posttest and the delayed posttest. In addition, the intervention helped students develop a higher level of task value, extrinsic goal orientation, control of learning beliefs, and self-efficacy of learning and performance. Data collected from reflective journals showed that EFL students reported increased levels of self-regulated, strategic behavior as a results of engaging in classroom formative assessment activities. • Formative assessment promotes effects of self-regulation instruction. • Self-regulation strategy intervention improved L2 writing quality. • The intervention improved students’ task value and extrinsic goal orientation. • The intervention helped students develop active control of their learning beliefs. • The intervention helped students become more self-efficacious in learning to write.