INTRODUCTION
Research questions
1 What are the perceptions of students on peer feedback?
2 What are the difficulties students often encounter when they give peer written feedback?
3 What are possible solutions to help students overcome these problems?
The scope of the study
This study addresses the challenges students encounter in formal letter writing, particularly in application letters, due to time constraints and the researcher's expertise To enhance students' writing skills and prepare them for future employment, it emphasizes the importance of peer feedback during writing lessons By implementing peer written feedback, teachers can better manage the classroom and support students in becoming more critical writers While various strategies can improve writing skills, this research primarily focuses on the difficulties faced during peer feedback to offer targeted suggestions for enhancement.
This study offers valuable insights into the challenges students face during peer-written feedback, specifically within an English center in Hanoi Its findings are expected to benefit university students across the city, encouraging further research into various facets of writing skills Additionally, the researcher aims to inspire greater interest and motivation among students in letter writing, ultimately enhancing their proficiency in this essential skill.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing enhances the writing process by providing diverse perspectives and constructive criticism This approach fosters a collaborative learning environment, encouraging writers to refine their skills However, challenges such as varying feedback quality and resistance to critique may arise To improve the effectiveness of peer feedback, it is essential to establish clear guidelines, promote a positive feedback culture, and ensure that all participants are trained in providing and receiving constructive comments By addressing these challenges, writers can significantly benefit from peer feedback, leading to improved letter writing abilities.
The study employs a qualitative approach for data collection and analysis, utilizing a survey questionnaire and interviews to gather comprehensive information A questionnaire was distributed to 50 university students at an English center in Hanoi, followed by interviews with 15 randomly selected participants The aim of these methods is to explore students' perceptions of peer feedback and to identify the challenges they face in providing peer written feedback in letter writing, along with their proposed solutions to these issues.
The thesis is divided into three main parts: Introduction, Development, and Conclusion
This study begins with an introduction that outlines the rationale behind selecting the topic, along with its aim, objectives, research questions, and methodologies It highlights the significance and scope of the research The development section is divided into three chapters, providing an in-depth exploration of the subject matter.
Chapter 1 is Literature review and theoretical framework
Chapter 2 is Methodology It describes in detail the research methodology which comprises the information of the participants, instrumentation, data collection and data analysis procedure
Chapter 3 is Results and Discussion This chapter shows the analysis and discussion of the findings
In conclusion, this study encapsulates the key findings while highlighting their implications for educational practices It also acknowledges the limitations encountered during the research and offers recommendations for future investigations.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing can significantly enhance the writing process by addressing common challenges and offering constructive suggestions for improvement This approach fosters collaboration among writers, allowing them to gain diverse perspectives that can refine their skills By integrating peer reviews, writers can identify areas for growth, enhance clarity, and improve overall effectiveness in their correspondence Emphasizing the importance of feedback can lead to more polished and impactful letters, ultimately benefiting both the writer and the recipient.
Methodology
This study employs a qualitative methodology for data collection and analysis, utilizing both surveys and interviews to gather comprehensive insights A questionnaire was distributed to 50 university students enrolled in an English center in Hanoi, followed by interviews with 15 randomly selected participants The aim of these methods is to investigate students' perceptions of peer feedback and to identify the challenges they face in providing peer feedback on letter writing, along with their proposed solutions to these issues.
Organization of the thesis
The thesis is divided into three main parts: Introduction, Development, and Conclusion
This study begins with an introduction that outlines the rationale behind selecting the topic, detailing its aims, objectives, and research questions, along with the methodologies employed It also highlights the significance and scope of the research The development section is structured into three chapters, providing an in-depth exploration of the subject matter.
Chapter 1 is Literature review and theoretical framework
Chapter 2 is Methodology It describes in detail the research methodology which comprises the information of the participants, instrumentation, data collection and data analysis procedure
Chapter 3 is Results and Discussion This chapter shows the analysis and discussion of the findings
In conclusion, this study summarizes the key findings, highlighting their implications for teaching practices It also addresses the limitations encountered during the research and offers suggestions for future studies to build upon these insights.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing can significantly enhance the writing process This approach encourages collaboration among writers, allowing them to share insights and suggestions for improvement Challenges may arise, such as varying levels of feedback quality and potential biases, but these can be mitigated through structured guidelines To maximize the benefits of peer feedback, it's essential to foster a supportive environment where constructive criticism is valued Implementing regular feedback sessions can lead to improved writing skills and greater confidence among participants.
The Literature Review
Theoretical framework
Writing skills are crucial in today's world for effective communication and business interactions As highlighted by Walsh (2010), the significance of writing is evident in both higher education and professional environments Writing serves as a vital tool for individuals to enhance their language proficiency, academic abilities, and communication skills It necessitates a comprehensive understanding of writing topics and essential skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation to meet specific objectives Moreover, writing fosters deeper engagement with texts, allowing students to better comprehend content and connect it to their previous learning experiences.
According to research by Brown (1996) and Brown (2001), writing is fundamentally a product of cognitive processes This insight led to the development of two primary approaches to teaching writing: the process approach and the product approach While these approaches differ in their underlying principles and techniques, each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing can enhance the writing process by providing diverse perspectives Challenges may include varying levels of feedback quality and students' reluctance to critique peers To improve this practice, educators should implement structured guidelines for feedback and foster a supportive environment Encouraging open communication and regular practice can help students become more comfortable with giving and receiving constructive criticism, ultimately leading to better writing skills.
The product approach to writing is a traditional method where students imitate model texts and follow structured steps to create their own writing This approach aims to enhance students' understanding of grammar, punctuation, layout, and vocabulary According to Pincas (1982), "writing is primarily about linguistic knowledge," focusing on the correct use of vocabulary, syntax, and cohesive devices Pincas outlines four stages in the product approach: Familiarization, where students analyze model texts; Controlled writing, involving exercises on grammar and vocabulary; Guided writing, allowing students to select tasks based on learned concepts; and Free writing, where they apply their knowledge to produce original work While this method can improve language accuracy, it may stifle creativity, as students often replicate the structures and formats of model texts.
The Process approach emphasizes students' ideas in writing rather than the final product, fostering their ability to generate and present original thoughts to their audience (Tompkins, 1990) This method allows teachers to uncover students' new ideas and expressions, as writing is seen as "a process of discovery" (Zamal, 1982) However, there are limitations to this approach Hyland (2003) identifies three weaknesses: it prioritizes personal thinking, often neglecting grammar and the final product; students may struggle with providing feedback if they lack revision experience; and the process can be time-consuming.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing can significantly enhance students' writing skills by providing them with structured guidance and support Many students struggle with writing due to a lack of clear frameworks for the target text types, often leading to multiple rewrites based on teacher comments This not only hampers their learning process but also consumes valuable time for teachers who must grade numerous revisions Implementing peer feedback strategies can streamline the writing process, foster collaboration among students, and ultimately improve the quality of their written work while alleviating the grading burden on educators.
2 Teaching letter writing skills and letter of application
A letter is a vital tool for personal and professional communication, influencing outcomes such as job acquisition, sales closure, scholarship attainment, and expressions of gratitude It follows specific principles, including the proper arrangement of the address, date, greetings, body, closing paragraph, expectations, complimentary phrase, and signature To enhance letter writing, Fawcett (2005) recommends seven strategies: keep it brief and focused, ensure clarity and logical flow, prioritize the recipient's needs, use simple and suitable language, write in short sentences and paragraphs, review and revise thoroughly, and double-check grammar and spelling.
A letter of application consists of two key components: a resume and a covering letter The resume, also known as a vita or data sheet, provides essential work-related information that employers seek, while the covering letter aims to engage the reader and highlight the overall application It's crucial for students to craft an impressive letter of application, as it serves as the first impression for recruiters assessing their qualifications.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing presents both challenges and opportunities for improvement Engaging with peers allows writers to gain diverse perspectives, enhancing the quality of their work However, effective implementation requires clear communication and a structured approach to feedback To overcome common obstacles, such as differing opinions and resistance to criticism, establishing guidelines for constructive feedback is essential By fostering a collaborative environment, writers can refine their skills and produce more compelling letters, ultimately leading to greater success in their writing endeavors.
3 Feedback and feedback in writing
Feedback serves as a crucial formative assessment tool, enabling students to understand their learning progress and identify strengths and weaknesses It provides essential guidance for improvement, ultimately supporting better academic achievement and the establishment of specific future learning objectives Effective feedback functions as both an assessment for learning and an assessment of learning, as noted by Lee (2007) Ur (1996) and Littlewood (1981) define feedback as an information exchange regarding performance, where teachers and peers offer constructive comments to guide learners toward improvement In the realm of writing, feedback is vital for developing writing skills, helping learners recognize and correct issues in their work This corrective feedback not only enhances students' writing abilities but also positively influences their attitudes and motivation toward future learning (Grabe & Kaplan, 1996).
Because of the significance of feedback in student’s writing, there are three major areas of feedback which are synthesized after a review of literature
Many teachers consider feedback as a crucial tool for enhancing student learning Feedback provides essential support during the critical phase of applying newly acquired knowledge Research by Meysam indicates that teacher editing significantly reduces errors in students' revised drafts Different teachers may have varying objectives when reviewing a student's work, emphasizing the importance of tailored feedback to bridge the learning gap.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing can significantly enhance students' understanding and performance, ultimately raising their expectations This collaborative approach encourages constructive criticism and fosters improvement, as highlighted by Carvalho, Santos, Conboy, and Martins (2014) By integrating peer feedback into writing challenges, educators can create a supportive learning environment that promotes skill development and self-reflection.
Self-assessment involves learners evaluating their achievements and learning outcomes, fostering autonomy and self-monitoring in the learning process (Boud and Falchikov, 1989 as cited in Wride, 2017) This practice enhances learners' confidence, encouraging them to acknowledge errors and seek constructive feedback By promoting critical thinking and deeper understanding of tasks, self-assessment supports lifelong learning and personal, intellectual, and social development However, it also presents challenges, particularly for students lacking the skills or confidence to assess themselves effectively, and can be time-consuming if not approached with seriousness and self-awareness.
The renovation of the education system has shifted language teaching from a teacher-centered model to a learner-centered approach, leading to an increase in the practice of peer feedback in classrooms Also known as peer review, peer correction, or peer editing, peer feedback involves students assessing and commenting on each other's work, which enhances their learning experience (Berget al., 2006 as cited in Alnasser, 2013) This process enables learners to effectively construct knowledge, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and understand how to improve, as noted by Rollinson (2005).
Students often prefer peer feedback over teacher feedback in letter writing, as it reduces anxiety associated with corrections from friends This approach fosters a friendlier and more supportive classroom environment, allowing students to exchange corrections in a less formal manner Research by Cole & Chan (1994) highlights that feedback not only reflects a learner's effort and performance but also boosts encouragement and promotes an active classroom atmosphere.
4.1 The importance of peer feedback in writing
Review of previous studies
This section reviews notable research studies on peer feedback, encompassing both international and Vietnamese perspectives The aim is to identify common themes and insights, ultimately paving the way for innovative topics in peer feedback that could inspire future research or projects.
A study conducted by Lin & Chen (2009) at a National University in Taiwan examined the effectiveness of peer feedback in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature Over an 8-week period, seven volunteers participated in writing training and peer feedback activities The researchers analyzed survey responses and found that the majority of language learners held a positive attitude towards the peer feedback pedagogy, highlighting its social benefits.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing enhances student interaction and motivation, leading to improved writing skills Students recognize the value of collaborative brainstorming activities, which foster linguistic improvements in English Consequently, they advocate for more frequent integration of peer feedback in English classes to maximize these benefits.
A study by Kurt and Atay (2007) investigated the impact of peer feedback on writing anxiety, utilizing the Second Language Writing Anxiety Inventory (SLWAI) and T-tests for data analysis The findings indicated that participants receiving peer feedback reported significantly lower anxiety levels compared to those receiving teacher feedback Additionally, the research demonstrated that peer feedback positively influenced participants' attitudes towards writing, enhancing motivation through increased personal responsibility and interest.
A Vietnamese study by Pham Thi Hong (2016) explored the effectiveness of peer written feedback on paragraph writing skills among third-year students The research provided a comprehensive analysis of peer feedback practices and identified key issues in students' feedback methods Utilizing a questionnaire as a primary research tool, the study examined students' writing to pinpoint areas where feedback was given, revealing a strong focus on grammar and vocabulary However, students struggled with providing constructive comments and identifying mistakes, which hindered their ability to enhance their peers' writing Despite these challenges, the findings suggest that peer written feedback can significantly contribute to improving students' writing skills.
In summary, the research highlights various aspects of peer feedback in writing, yet there is a scarcity of studies addressing the challenges students face when providing feedback Moreover, paragraph writing is often prioritized, which underscores the unique contribution of my study in exploring these overlooked difficulties.
This study explores the challenges students face when providing peer feedback on application letters By identifying these difficulties, the research aims to enhance the letter-writing skills of learners and their peers The findings are expected to contribute significantly to improving the quality of application letters, fostering better communication and writing proficiency among students.
This section outlines previous studies and the theoretical framework that informed the design of the questionnaire and interview questions, which were utilized to investigate students' challenges in implementing peer feedback.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing enhances the learning experience by providing valuable insights and constructive criticism This approach encourages collaboration among students, allowing them to identify strengths and areas for improvement in their writing Challenges may arise, such as varying levels of feedback quality and potential biases, but these can be mitigated through structured guidelines and training To maximize the effectiveness of peer feedback, educators should implement clear criteria and foster an open environment for discussion Ultimately, integrating peer feedback can significantly improve writing skills and boost confidence among learners.
METHODOLOGY
Research setting
An English center in Hanoi specializes in teaching English communication skills and preparing students for the TOEIC certification The center accommodates students at various levels, from elementary to intermediate, who must first complete a placement test to evaluate their English grammar and usage proficiency Each class comprises 15 to 25 students and focuses on developing the four essential language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing Instructors tailor their teaching methods based on the specific requirements of each course, with classes meeting three times a week for 90-minute sessions.
Participants
The study involved 50 pre-intermediate English students aged 18 to 21, primarily university and college attendees, along with some high school graduates The majority of participants focused on grammar and reading skills, as these are emphasized in university entrance exams, leading to a lack of attention to writing skills Consequently, despite their strong grasp of grammar, they struggled to produce clear and comprehensible written work.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing presents both challenges and opportunities for improvement Effective collaboration among peers enhances the writing process, allowing for diverse perspectives and constructive criticism However, difficulties may arise in communication and the acceptance of feedback To overcome these challenges, it is essential to establish clear guidelines for providing and receiving feedback, fostering an environment of trust and respect By embracing peer feedback, writers can refine their skills, enhance their writing quality, and ultimately produce more effective letters.
Data collection instrument
To gather data for this research, a questionnaire was identified as the most suitable tool This survey aimed to assess students' attitudes toward peer written feedback, their challenges in providing such feedback, and their learning strategies It was developed following a comprehensive literature review (Farrah, 2012; Hong, 2006; Tsui & Ng, 2000; Lee, 2008) To minimize potential misunderstandings, the questionnaire was translated into Vietnamese for the students The student questionnaire comprised five sections.
Part 2: Question 1, 2, 3 survey the students’ perceptions toward peer feedback Part 3: Question 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 identify the difficulties of students when they give peer feedback
Part 4: Question 11, 12, 13 find out students’ follow-up activities after receiving peer feedback
Question 14, 15 discover the students’ expectation toward peer feedback in the future
Part 5: explores possible solutions to help students overcome those difficulties
To identify the underlying challenges students face when providing peer feedback, a set of nine interview questions was developed based on the questionnaire results A semi-structured interview approach was employed to investigate how the difficulties revealed in the questionnaire impacted students' peer feedback processes in letter writing, as well as to uncover any additional challenges This study also explores the solutions students seek when struggling with peer feedback in letter writing.
The article discusses the application of peer feedback in letter writing, highlighting the challenges faced and offering suggestions for improvement It also explores follow-up activities that students engaged in after writing sessions, enabling teachers to propose effective strategies for skill enhancement Conducted in Vietnamese, the interviews allowed participants to express their thoughts more clearly, with the results contributing to the researcher's database for further modifications All interviews were recorded with the consent of the interviewees.
Data collection procedure
The data collection process consisted of two main phases, starting with the distribution of questionnaires to 50 students at an English center These questionnaires were handed out at the end of a lesson, following peer feedback after three practice lessons, and were all returned completed To ensure clarity, the researcher provided a thorough explanation of the questionnaire's format and length, addressing any potential misunderstandings Additionally, to facilitate understanding, the researcher translated the questions into Vietnamese Students were instructed to complete the questionnaires thoughtfully within ten minutes in their classrooms after writing lessons.
In the second phase of the research, the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 randomly selected students to gain deeper insights into the research questions To maintain fairness, 50 papers were prepared, with only 15 marked "Yes" for the students to choose from The open-ended questions aimed to capture the participants' perspectives without revealing any hypotheses The interviews took place during the subsequent writing lesson and were recorded with the participants' consent.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing can enhance the writing process by providing constructive criticism and diverse perspectives This approach fosters collaboration among writers, allowing them to identify strengths and areas for improvement However, challenges may arise, such as differing opinions and potential misunderstandings To overcome these obstacles, it is essential to establish clear guidelines for feedback and encourage open communication By implementing these strategies, writers can effectively utilize peer feedback to refine their skills and produce high-quality letters.
Data analysis procedure
Data analysis is a crucial process where researchers interpret collected data rather than merely describing it In this study, qualitative analysis was employed to address specific research questions Close-ended questionnaire responses were individually analyzed using Microsoft Excel, with results calculated in percentages and visually represented through tables and charts for clearer comparison and synthesis The comprehensive analysis of results from both questionnaires and interviews will be detailed in the subsequent chapter, "Findings and Discussion," ensuring that responses are presented in an accessible manner for readers.
This chapter has validated the research methodology by outlining five key components: setting, participants, instruments, data collection, and data analysis procedures The upcoming chapter will examine the diverse data collected and provide interpretations aimed at addressing the research questions.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing presents both challenges and opportunities for improvement Engaging peers in the feedback process enhances writing skills by providing diverse perspectives and constructive criticism However, effective implementation requires clear guidelines and a supportive environment to foster open communication By addressing these challenges, educators can create a more collaborative learning experience that ultimately leads to better writing outcomes for students.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Findings
The research, conducted through questionnaires and interviews, revealed significant insights into students' perceptions of peer feedback and the challenges they encountered while providing written feedback to their peers.
1.1 Results from questionnaire This section, which presents and discusses information from the questionnaire, will be divided into two major parts, that is, the perceptions of students toward peer feedback and the difficulties they encounter when they do peer written feedback 1.1.1 Students’ perceptions on peer feedback
1.1.1.1 Students’ perceptions on peer feedback in general
Applying peer feedback in letter writing can significantly enhance the writing process This approach encourages collaborative learning, allowing students to gain diverse perspectives on their work However, challenges may arise, such as varying levels of feedback quality and potential biases To improve the effectiveness of peer feedback, it's essential to provide clear guidelines and training for students Implementing structured feedback sessions can also foster a more constructive environment, ultimately leading to better writing skills and greater confidence among learners.
Figure 1: Students’ perceptions on peer feedback in general
A survey on students' perceptions of peer feedback in letter writing revealed that 82% of participants found it beneficial, while 18% disagreed To gain deeper insights into their opinions, both groups were prompted to elaborate on their responses, with their explanations summarized in Table X.
1.1.1.2 Students’ perceptions on the benefits of peer feedback
Table 1: Students’ perceptions on the benefits of peer feedback
Students can revise their writings effectively based on their friends’ correction and suggestion
Students can avoid all the corrected mistakes next time 6 Students can enhance their confidence in writing thanks to their friends’ 11
Applying peer feedback in letter writing presents both challenges and opportunities for improvement Effective peer feedback encourages collaboration, enhances writing skills, and fosters a supportive learning environment However, it can also lead to misunderstandings and varying levels of feedback quality To maximize the benefits of peer feedback, clear guidelines and structured frameworks should be established This approach not only improves the writing process but also builds confidence among writers, ultimately leading to more refined and impactful letters.
Students can develop critical thinking thanks to the peer’s feedback 25 Students can know how to self-revise their writing in general 37
Table 1 illustrates students' varied perspectives on the advantages of peer feedback, with 37 students indicating that it enhances their ability to self-revise their writing This demonstrates that peer feedback significantly fosters students' learning autonomy Additionally, 28 students valued the benefits of effectively revising their work based on peer corrections and developing critical thinking skills.
A study involving 25 students revealed that only 11 felt their confidence in writing improved due to positive feedback from peers, while just 6 chose to disregard their corrected mistakes for future writing tasks This highlights the complexity of writing, often regarded as the most challenging academic skill, which explains why these two options ranked the lowest among students' preferences.
1.1.1.3 Students’ perceptions on the disadvantages of peer written feedback
Table 2: Students’ perceptions on the disadvantages of peer written feedback
Peer’s feedback contradicts my ideas 3
Peers’ feedback is not reliable 1
Peers’ feedback is too vague and difficult to understand 6
Incorporating peer feedback into letter writing can significantly enhance the quality of written communication This approach not only fosters collaborative learning but also addresses common challenges faced by writers By actively engaging with peers, individuals can receive constructive criticism that highlights areas for improvement Implementing suggestions from peers leads to more polished and effective letters, ultimately improving overall writing skills Emphasizing the importance of feedback can create a supportive environment that encourages continuous growth and development in writing.
The peer’s feedback is unclear/ too general 3
The peer’s feedback discourages me 4
The peer’s feedback cannot help my writing improve 9
Table 2 highlights the sentiments of students who found peer feedback unhelpful for improving their writing skills A significant majority, 67%, reported that their peers' feedback was too vague and challenging to comprehend, while 33% described it as unclear or overly general This indicates that providing thorough and understandable written feedback is a difficult task for students Additionally, 44% expressed that peer feedback often discouraged them, likely due to an overwhelming number of corrections presented in various colors, leading to feelings of embarrassment and a lack of motivation to revise Furthermore, 33% of students noted contradictions in the feedback they received, with 11% questioning its reliability This suggests that those who perceive peer feedback as unreliable may possess a stronger grasp of the subject matter compared to their peers.
1.1.2 Difficulties that students encounter when they do peer written feedback
1 Strongly agree 2 Agree 3.Neutral 4 Disagree 5 Strongly disagree
Applying peer feedback in letter writing presents both challenges and opportunities for improvement Effective peer review can enhance writing skills, foster collaboration, and provide diverse perspectives However, issues such as differing feedback quality and the potential for miscommunication may arise To maximize the benefits of peer feedback, it is essential to establish clear guidelines and encourage constructive criticism By addressing these challenges, writers can significantly improve their letter writing abilities and overall communication skills.
Table 3: Difficulties that students encounter when they do peer written feedback
6 Cohesion and coherence (organization and liking devices)
7 Lexical resource (vocabulary, word choice, word form)
8 Grammar rage (structures, verb tenses, article) 30 44 14 8 6
According to Table 3, a significant majority of students, with 50% expressing disagreement and 30% strongly disagreeing, believe that form is an avoidable mistake in their writing Only 4% of students showed strong agreement and 6% agreement regarding difficulties with form, suggesting that it may not be a major issue for them, as they can easily compare their work with provided models Additionally, Table 2 indicates that 10% of students held a neutral stance on this matter.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing can significantly enhance the writing process It presents both challenges and opportunities for improvement Engaging with peers allows writers to gain diverse perspectives, identify areas for enhancement, and refine their skills Implementing structured feedback mechanisms can help address common writing issues, fostering a collaborative learning environment By embracing constructive criticism, writers can develop their abilities and produce more effective correspondence.
According to Table 3, a significant number of students identified content as a barrier to their understanding, with 18% agreeing and 30% strongly agreeing This challenge may be influenced by the Vietnamese language, as students struggle to create simple yet meaningful sentences Conversely, 16% of students disagreed and 8% strongly disagreed, indicating that they did not experience difficulties in conveying the content.
A significant 28% of students expressed a neutral opinion regarding their ideas and expression, indicating a lack of clarity and self-confidence in their communication skills.
* Cohesion and coherence (organization and linking devices)
According to Table 3, more than 60% of students—43% disagreed and 21% strongly disagreed—indicated that they found organization and linking devices unimportant This suggests that students did not prioritize understanding conjunctions and text cohesion, as letter writing emphasizes simplicity, clarity, and directness, leading them to favor familiar linking devices.
In contrast, 16% of students showed their agreement about the difficulty in correcting these errors while 20% of students were neutral
Discussion
The discussion section interprets the significance of the findings and addresses the two research questions, providing researchers' evaluations of the identified problems It also highlights the challenges faced in delivering peer feedback on letter writing skills and offers suggestions for improvement.
Research question 1: What are the perceptions of students toward peer feedback?
The analysis of peer feedback in letter writing revealed both advantages and limitations Students generally exhibited a positive attitude toward this method, noting significant improvements in their writing skills after both receiving and providing feedback They found the activity engaging, as it allowed them to consolidate their knowledge and expand their understanding Despite these benefits, some students expressed disinterest in peer feedback, citing a lack of noticeable progress in their learning Additionally, their limited competence hindered their ability to assess their peers' writing effectively, leading to the perception that peer feedback was not beneficial for them.
Research question 2: What are the difficulties students often encounter when they give peer feedback?
Applying peer feedback in letter writing presents both challenges and opportunities for improvement Effective peer review can enhance writing skills, but it requires clear guidelines and constructive communication To maximize the benefits of peer feedback, educators should provide training on giving and receiving critiques, ensuring that students understand the value of diverse perspectives Addressing common challenges, such as differing opinions and varying skill levels, can lead to a more productive feedback process Ultimately, fostering a supportive environment for peer feedback encourages collaboration and growth in writing abilities.
The study focused on the challenges students face when providing peer feedback in letter writing, revealing key difficulties in vocabulary, grammar, and general comments Students struggled with lexical resources, particularly in recognizing word forms with affixes, which led to issues in word order and hindered their writing skills Limited vocabulary negatively impacted their overall English proficiency, as it is fundamental to mastering the language Additionally, students exhibited low confidence in grammar, specifically in the use of articles and verbs, indicating a lack of understanding of grammatical structures and their applications.
Grammar limitations significantly impact students' language usage, making it challenging for them to construct meaningful sentences and paragraphs Many students overlook articles, considering them a minor aspect of grammar, which leads to a lack of attention and misunderstanding of their proper use Additionally, students struggle with providing general comments during peer reviews, as teachers often require lengthy responses that highlight strengths and weaknesses While they recognize that vocabulary and grammar play a role in writing these comments, they believe that clarity is more important than perfection Despite this, students still find the task daunting.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing presents several challenges, primarily due to its demanding nature Students often struggle to provide general comments that are both encouraging and constructive, as they aim to motivate their peers without discouraging them This delicate balance is essential for fostering a supportive learning environment and enhancing overall writing skills.
Research question 3: What are some solutions to help students overcome these problems?
The study revealed that all students preferred using Google as their primary solution to problems, highlighting the integral role of the internet in modern life This reliance on technology allows students to access a wide range of information while also helping them avoid the anxiety of approaching teachers Learning to navigate the internet effectively fosters autonomy in learning However, despite its convenience, students often struggle to discern accurate information from the vast array available online.
While Google Translate can be a time-saving tool, its accuracy often falls short, leading students to seek assistance from their teachers when faced with challenges Undoubtedly, teacher support is crucial in the classroom, providing the guidance needed to navigate difficulties effectively.
Despite the effectiveness of peer feedback, disagreements may arise that require the teacher's expertise for resolution Additionally, utilizing mobile apps can help students better understand word meanings and verb forms However, many students reported reluctance to use the internet on their mobile devices, even when connected to Wi-Fi or 4G, due to concerns about distractions.
The research identified notable differences in previous studies on writing skills, highlighting that while the primary focus was on writing abilities, other studies emphasized various aspects such as learning strategies, writing approaches, and challenges impacting writing performance.
This article explores the application of peer feedback in letter writing, highlighting the challenges and suggestions for improvement Previous research has emphasized various feedback types and their impact on learning, yet this study specifically investigates the difficulties associated with utilizing peer-written feedback in the context of letter writing By focusing on this relatively unexplored area, the research aims to provide deeper insights into the unique challenges faced when integrating peer feedback in this form of writing.
2.1 The reasons for these difficulties of giving peer feedback in writing
Many students face vocabulary limitations due to ineffective learning strategies, often relying on Vietnamese translations instead of utilizing English-English dictionaries This approach not only restricts their vocabulary but also leads to confusion in various contexts, resulting in the quick forgetting of new words Additionally, students tend to memorize word meanings in isolation, failing to integrate them into phrases and sentences, which hinders their vocabulary improvement.
Many students struggle with grammar due to a lack of supportive and practical activities, primarily relying on what they learned in secondary or high school for exam preparation As a result, they often memorize rules and complete exercises without understanding the context in which grammar is used, leading to a robotic learning experience Additionally, the limited opportunities for communication practice hinder their ability to apply grammar effectively Engaging in speaking activities is crucial, as it allows students to practice grammar in real contexts, fostering natural usage and enhancing interaction.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing presents both challenges and opportunities for improvement Effective peer review enhances writing skills by providing diverse perspectives, yet it can also lead to misunderstandings or conflicts if not managed well To maximize the benefits of peer feedback, it's essential to establish clear guidelines and foster a supportive environment Encouraging constructive criticism and open communication can significantly improve the quality of letter writing while promoting collaborative learning By addressing these challenges, writers can refine their skills and produce more compelling and effective letters.
Students often struggle to find adequate time for practice, as peer feedback typically occurs just 30 minutes before class ends This limited timeframe is compounded by the need for teachers to provide instructions, which further restricts practice opportunities With only 2 to 3 English classes per week at language centers, students do not receive sufficient writing skill development Additionally, in communication classes, teachers must balance the instruction of all skills, which can detract from the time allocated for other essential learning areas.
CONCLUSION
Recapitulations of main findings
This part summarized the study on the "Applying peer feedback in letter writing: challenges and suggestions for improvement"
This study examines the challenges students face in providing peer feedback on letter writing skills, addressing both theoretical and practical aspects Additionally, it explores students' perceptions of the peer feedback process.
A recent analysis of questionnaires and interviews revealed that most students have a positive attitude toward peer feedback, finding it beneficial for enhancing their letter writing skills This feedback fosters critical thinking and self-revision abilities However, some students expressed dissatisfaction, citing difficulties in understanding peer feedback and a lack of noticeable improvement in their writing.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing can enhance the writing process by providing constructive criticism and diverse perspectives This approach helps identify common challenges faced by writers, such as clarity, structure, and tone To improve letter writing skills, it is essential to create a supportive environment where peers feel comfortable sharing insights Implementing structured feedback sessions can lead to significant improvements in writing quality and confidence Adopting these strategies encourages continuous learning and fosters a collaborative atmosphere among writers.
The study revealed that students faced significant challenges while providing peer written feedback, primarily related to vocabulary, grammar, and formulating general comments To address these issues, the researcher identified underlying reasons and proposed several solutions aimed at helping students overcome these difficulties.
To help students overcome challenges in their learning, several effective solutions were identified, including utilizing the internet, seeking assistance from teachers, and leveraging mobile applications In addition to these strategies, further recommendations were provided to enhance students' feedback and writing skills, aiming to support their overall academic development.
Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the classroom atmosphere, significantly influencing the effectiveness of peer feedback among students The success of this interaction relies heavily on the guidance provided by educators This research aims to propose four key teaching implications for writing instructors to enhance the peer feedback process.
Many students fear giving peer feedback due to a lack of confidence in their knowledge Therefore, it is essential for teachers to provide encouragement and praise to help build students' confidence and alleviate their fears In fact, motivation and positive reinforcement significantly enhance student performance.
To enhance student skills, teachers should implement comprehensive training on peer feedback from the outset Without this training, students may feel confused about upcoming tasks, which can hinder their learning experience.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing presents both challenges and opportunities for improvement This technique is beneficial as it helps students build confidence and enhances their ability to acquire and correctly use vocabulary By engaging in peer reviews, learners can gain valuable insights that contribute to their writing skills and overall communication effectiveness.
To enhance collaborative learning, it is essential to allocate more class time for students to engage in practice, allowing them to gain knowledge through peer feedback Increased classroom interaction, facilitated by discussions and debates, fosters a sense of responsibility for their own learning, driven by the insights of their classmates This approach not only helps students organize and expand their knowledge but also enables them to address skill gaps, preparing them for advanced levels of study.
Though the research questions were achieved, in this study, there still exist some limitations
Firstly, the number of participants involved in this research is quite small which could be insufficient to ensure the reliability of the study findings
Due to time constraints, the investigations and recommendations were carried out through questionnaires and interviews rather than actual experiments, which may affect the validity of the proposed recommendations.
Due to time constraints, the study investigated the challenges students face when providing peer written feedback via a questionnaire Consequently, students may not fully express their actual difficulties.
While limitations are inherent in this study, the author aspires that its findings will significantly enhance letter writing skills for students preparing job applications for their ideal workplaces.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing presents both challenges and opportunities for improvement Effective peer review can enhance writing skills by providing diverse perspectives, yet it may also lead to misunderstandings if not structured properly To maximize the benefits of peer feedback, it's essential to establish clear guidelines and foster a supportive environment Encouraging constructive criticism and focusing on specific areas for enhancement can significantly improve the quality of written communication Implementing these strategies will not only aid individual growth but also strengthen collaborative learning experiences in letter writing.
Researchers exploring peer feedback should consider investigating verbal feedback methods While this study concentrated on letter writing skills, future research could expand to examine peer feedback across various other skills.
Limitations of the study
Though the research questions were achieved, in this study, there still exist some limitations
Firstly, the number of participants involved in this research is quite small which could be insufficient to ensure the reliability of the study findings
Due to time constraints, the investigations and recommendations were based on questionnaires and interviews rather than actual experiments, which may affect the validity of the proposed recommendations.
Due to time constraints, the study investigated the challenges students face when providing peer written feedback through a questionnaire Consequently, students may not fully express their actual difficulties.
While limitations are inherent in this study, the author aspires for it to significantly enhance letter writing skills for students preparing job applications for their ideal workplaces in the future.
Applying peer feedback in letter writing can enhance the writing process by providing valuable insights and suggestions for improvement This approach encourages collaboration among writers, fostering a supportive environment where constructive criticism is welcomed Key challenges include overcoming the fear of receiving feedback and ensuring that critiques are specific and actionable To maximize the benefits of peer feedback, it is essential to establish clear guidelines and create a culture of trust By addressing these challenges, writers can significantly improve their skills and produce more effective letters.
Suggestions for further studies
Researchers interested in peer feedback may explore various forms, including verbal feedback While this study concentrated on letter writing skills, future research could investigate peer feedback across different skills.
This study has limitations, indicating the need for further research with a larger participant pool and diverse methodologies to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
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Applying peer feedback in letter writing can enhance the writing process by providing constructive criticism and diverse perspectives This approach presents challenges such as managing differing opinions and ensuring effective communication among peers To improve the implementation of peer feedback, it is essential to establish clear guidelines, encourage open dialogue, and foster a supportive environment By addressing these challenges, writers can refine their skills and produce more compelling letters.
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Applying peer feedback in letter writing enhances the writing process by providing constructive insights and diverse perspectives This approach not only identifies areas for improvement but also fosters collaboration and communication skills among peers Challenges may arise, such as varying levels of expertise and differing feedback styles, which can be addressed through structured guidelines and training Implementing peer feedback effectively can lead to significant improvements in writing quality, making it a valuable tool for both learners and educators.
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Applying peer feedback in letter writing can enhance the writing process by providing diverse perspectives and constructive criticism This method encourages collaboration among writers, fostering a supportive environment that promotes skill development However, challenges such as differing opinions and the potential for misunderstandings may arise To improve the effectiveness of peer feedback, clear guidelines and structured frameworks should be established, ensuring that feedback is specific, actionable, and focused on the letter's purpose By addressing these challenges and implementing suggestions for improvement, writers can significantly benefit from the peer review process in their letter writing endeavors.
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Incorporating peer feedback into letter writing can significantly enhance the writing process This approach not only helps identify areas for improvement but also fosters collaborative learning among peers Challenges may arise, such as varying levels of feedback quality and potential misunderstandings, but these can be mitigated through structured guidelines To maximize the effectiveness of peer feedback, it is essential to establish clear criteria for evaluation and encourage constructive criticism By embracing this method, writers can develop their skills and produce more polished, effective letters.
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Applying peer feedback in letter writing can significantly enhance the writing process This method encourages collaboration among peers, allowing them to share insights and constructive criticism Challenges in implementing peer feedback often include varying levels of writing skills and reluctance to critique others To improve this process, educators can provide clear guidelines and training on giving effective feedback Additionally, fostering a supportive environment can help students feel more comfortable engaging in peer reviews By addressing these challenges and implementing strategic suggestions, the effectiveness of peer feedback in letter writing can be maximized.
This survey aims to explore the challenges students face when providing peer feedback in letter writing Your participation is crucial for the success of this study, and all responses will be used solely for research purposes We greatly appreciate your valuable contribution.
For all questions, please answer by ticking one or more of the boxes or writing in the given spaces
*How long have been learning English? year(s)
*How long have you been learning writing?: year(s)
* Have you ever written a letter of application to apply in a company?
II Attitude toward peer feedback
1 In your opinion, is peer feedback is helpful to you?
If you tick NO, please skip question 2
If you tick YES, please skip question 3
2 In your opinion, the benefits of peer feedback in practicing letter writing is to………
Applying peer feedback in letter writing can enhance the writing process by providing constructive criticism and diverse perspectives This approach not only helps identify areas for improvement but also fosters collaboration and communication skills among peers Challenges such as varying feedback quality and differing writing styles can arise, necessitating clear guidelines for effective peer review To maximize the benefits, it is essential to establish a structured feedback process that encourages specific, actionable suggestions By addressing these challenges, writers can significantly improve their letter writing skills and overall communication effectiveness.
Students can revise their writings effectively based on their friends’ correction and suggestion
Students can avoid all the corrected mistakes next time
Students can boost their writing confidence through the supportive feedback of their peers, while also enhancing their critical thinking skills Additionally, this collaborative environment helps them learn effective self-revision techniques for their writing.
3 Why do you think it is unhelpful to you?
Peer’s feedback contradicts my ideas Peers’ feedback is not reliable
Peers’ feedback is too vague and difficult to understand The peer’s feedback is unclear/ too general
The peer’s feedback discourages me The peer’s feedback cannot help my writing improve
III Difficulties of giving peer feedback Put a tick in the column of your choice with the rank from 1 to 5
1 Strongly agree 2 Agree 3.Neutral 4 Disagree 5 Strongly disagree
4 Form (organization, full of parts, address and date