A Comparative Study of AI-assisted Assessment and Teacher-Assessment in an EFL Writing Course
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Date
2025
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Publisher
SDU University
Abstract
With the rapid development of artificial intelligence in education, automated writing evaluation (AWE) tools such as ChatGPT are becoming increasingly popular for providing feedback on students' written works. This study explores the perceptions of first-year EFL students about AI-assisted assessment compared to teacher assessment in an EFL writing course at a private Kazakhstani university. Over the period of one semester, 33 participants have written 4 essays and received both the teacher and ChatGPT feedback on each essay. Their perceptions have been compared and analyzed with a quantitative research design with elements of qualitative analysis. A questionnaire with Likert-scale closed-ended and open-ended questions was used. The results revealed that while students recognize the importance of AI-assisted assessment for surface-level corrections (grammar, vocabulary, structure), the majority of students prefer teacher feedback for its clarity, personalized support, and depth. Additionally, most students viewed the ideal approach as a combination of two types of feedback: AI for quick technical feedback and teachers for more complex aspects like structure, argumentation, and tone. The study concludes that although AWE tools have potential as supplementary support in EFL writing instruction, they cannot replace the human connection and pedagogical insight offered by teachers. Implications for integrating AI tools into classroom practice and teacher training are also discussed, along with recommendations for future research in this evolving field.
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Keywords
AI in education, ChatGPT, EFL writing, teacher feedback, automated writing evaluation
Citation
Fazilova A / A Comparative Study of AI-assisted Assessment and Teacher-Assessment in an EFL Writing Course / SDU University / Faculty of Education and Humanities