Exploring students’ strategy-related beliefs and their mediation on strategies to act on feedback in L2 writing

Abstract

Substantial research indicates that students’ beliefs mediate learning strategies. Nevertheless, students’ strategy-related beliefs about feedback and their mediation on strategies to act on feedback are insufficiently addressed. This case study aimed to examine: (1) students’ strategy-related beliefs about feedback in L2 writing and (2) how beliefs mediated students’ actions when a feedback intervention was implemented to facilitate students’ use of feedback strategies. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews and reflective journals from 10 Year-1 participants who studied in an associate degree programme at a higher education institute in Hong Kong. Students’ strategy-related beliefs about feedback encompass the evaluation of strategies about: (1) understanding feedback, (2) addressing areas for improvement, (3) seeking feedback, and (4) implementing feedback. Nine participants adopted a more comprehensive range of strategies to act on feedback consistent with their strategy-related beliefs. One participant, however, did not appreciate and use feedback. Pedagogical implications are discussed.