A Comparative Analysis of Language Choices in Written Peer Feedback Provided by High- and Low-Proficiency Japanese EFL Students

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Bibliographic Details
Title: A Comparative Analysis of Language Choices in Written Peer Feedback Provided by High- and Low-Proficiency Japanese EFL Students
Language: English
Authors: Sugene Kim (ORCID 0000-0001-9514-7416)
Source: Language Teaching Research. 2026 30(5):2899-2922.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 24
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Language Usage, Feedback (Response), Language Role, Writing Evaluation, Language Proficiency, Peer Evaluation, Writing (Composition), College Students, Higher Education, Japanese
Geographic Terms: Japan
DOI: 10.1177/13621688231193074
ISSN: 1362-1688
1477-0954
Abstract: This study reports on part of a larger research project that investigates the role of students' first language in learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in the context of Japanese higher education. Despite the prevalent use of peer review in EFL writing classes, students' use of different languages and the effects of English proficiencies on collaborative interaction as mediated in written peer feedback remain under-researched. To add to the rather sparse literature, this study comparatively analysed peer feedback provided by high- and low-proficiency Japanese EFL students and conducted stimulated recall interviews to determine the factors affecting their language choices. The text analysis presented a stark contrast in students' language choices stemming mainly from a difference in the type of feedback provided by each group: 'corrective feedback' versus 'complimentary overall comment'. The stimulated recall interview accounts suggested that this polarization is attributable mostly to the proficiency gap between peer dyads and the affective need to contribute to the peer-review process. Inconsistent with the reports of previous studies that peer review benefits all students involved, the advanced-level participants voiced serious doubts about its effectiveness.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1508308
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study reports on part of a larger research project that investigates the role of students' first language in learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in the context of Japanese higher education. Despite the prevalent use of peer review in EFL writing classes, students' use of different languages and the effects of English proficiencies on collaborative interaction as mediated in written peer feedback remain under-researched. To add to the rather sparse literature, this study comparatively analysed peer feedback provided by high- and low-proficiency Japanese EFL students and conducted stimulated recall interviews to determine the factors affecting their language choices. The text analysis presented a stark contrast in students' language choices stemming mainly from a difference in the type of feedback provided by each group: 'corrective feedback' versus 'complimentary overall comment'. The stimulated recall interview accounts suggested that this polarization is attributable mostly to the proficiency gap between peer dyads and the affective need to contribute to the peer-review process. Inconsistent with the reports of previous studies that peer review benefits all students involved, the advanced-level participants voiced serious doubts about its effectiveness.
ISSN:1362-1688
1477-0954
DOI:10.1177/13621688231193074