Exploring Ethnic Moderation in Peer Feedback Dynamics: Impacts on EFL Writing Performance in Inner Mongolia

Versions

PDF

Keywords

peer feedback
ethnic diversity
EFL writing performance
cultural responsiveness

Abstract

This study investigated how ethnic diversity moderates peer feedback dynamics and influences English as a Foreign Language (EFL) writing performance in Inner Mongolia's multicultural classrooms. While peer feedback is widely recognized for improving language learning, this research fills a gap by exploring its effectiveness across different ethnic groups, particularly focusing on Han and Mongolian students. Using a quantitative approach, 160 college students were randomly selected with equal representation from both ethnic groups and divided into face-to-face and online feedback modalities. The study hypothesized that ethnic grouping significantly moderates the impact of peer feedback on writing self-efficacy, self-regulation, competence, and classroom experience. Results revealed that both feedback modality and ethnic diversity significantly affected writing outcomes. Online peer feedback particularly enhanced writing competence and self-efficacy for both groups, while ethnic diversity influenced face-to-face feedback's impact on writing self-efficacy and classroom experience. These findings highlight the need for culturally responsive peer feedback strategies to enhance learning outcomes.

PDF

References

Banks, J. A. (2019). Diversity and citizenship education: Global perspectives. Jossey-Bass.

Brislin, R. W. (1970). Back-translation for cross-cultural research. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 1(3), 185-216. https://doi.org/10.1177/135910457000100301

Brown, S., & Lee, C. (2021). Enhancing peer feedback effectiveness: The role of cultural competence in multicultural education. International Journal of Educational Development, 81, 102339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2020.102339

Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Chen, X., & Smith, A. (2019). Cultural influences on the effectiveness of peer feedback in educational settings. International Journal of Educational Research, 98, 123-133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2019.08.004

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

Curşeu, P. L., & Pluut, H. (2013). Student groups as learning entities: The effect of group diversity and teamwork quality on groups' cognitive complexity. Studies in Higher Education,

(1), 87-103. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2011.565122

Ferris, D. (2013). Response to student writing: Implications for second language students. Routledge.

Garcia, M. A., & Li, J. (2020). Exploring the role of ethnic diversity in peer feedback effectiveness: A case study in EFL classrooms. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 41(4), 305-318. https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2020.1735412

Garcia, L. (2019). Cultivating cultural competence in teacher education programs: Best practices and challenges. Teaching and Teacher Education, 85, 230-242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2019.06.012

Garcia, L., & Wei, X. (2020). Adapting feedback strategies in multicultural classrooms: Balancing face-to-face and online methods. Teaching and Teacher Education, 95, 103123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2020.103123

García, S. B., & Chun, H. (2020). Cultural and ethnic diversity in education: Implications for equity and inclusion. Journal of Education for Students Placed at Risk (JESPAR), 25(2), 123-138. https://doi.org/10.1080/10824669.2020.1730117

Gay, G. (2018). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice (3rd ed.). Teachers College Press.

Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J., & Anderson, R. E. (2017). Multivariate data analysis (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Hofstede, G. (1986). Cultural differences in teaching and learning. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 10(3), 301-320. https://doi.org/10.1016/0147-1767(86)90015-5

Hyland, K., & Hyland, F. (2006). Feedback on second language students' writing. Language Teaching, 39(2), 83-101. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0261444806003399

Jackson, R. (2020). Strategies for teaching in multicultural classrooms: Understanding cultural diversity to optimize learning outcomes. Journal of Educational Psychology, 112(3), 376-388. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000391

Jin, L., & Cortazzi, M. (2012). Researching intercultural learning: Investigations in language and education. Palgrave Macmillan.

Lantolf, J. P., & Thorne, S. L. (2006). Sociocultural theory and the genesis of second language development. Oxford University Press.

Ladson-Billings, G. (2020). Critical race theory in education: A scholar’s journey. Teachers College Press.

Li, M., & Zou, D. (2019). The impact of peer assessment on EFL learners’ writing performance: A meta-analysis. Language Teaching Research, 23(5), 681-700. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168818767570

Lopez, G. (2019). Advancing culturally responsive teaching: Policy recommendations for inclusive education. Educational Policy Analysis Archives, 27(50), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.27.4222

Nguyen, T., & Pham, H. (2021). The impact of cultural and ethnic diversity on peer feedback in EFL writing classes. Language Teaching Research, 25(6), 987-1004. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168820913487

Pajares, F. (2003). Self-efficacy beliefs, motivation, and achievement in writing: A review of the literature. Reading & Writing Quarterly, 19(2), 139-158. https://doi.org/10.1080/10573560308222

Smith, A., & Wang, Y. (2020). Customizing peer feedback strategies for multicultural classrooms: A comparative study. Journal of Educational Psychology, 112(3), 450-465. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000382

Topping, K. (2010). Peer feedback and learning: The roles of observer-controller contingency. Learning and Instruction, 20(4), 304-315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2009.08.007

Vygotsky, L. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.

Wang, L., & Nguyen, T. (2021). Leveraging cultural diversity in peer feedback: Implications for EFL education. Journal of Second Language Writing, 52, 100821. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2021.100821

Wang, Y., & Park, H. (2019). Integrating the cultural dimension into English language teaching: Practical considerations and applications. Language, Culture and Curriculum, 32(3), 276-291. https://doi.org/10.1080/07908318.2019.1615115

Yu, S., & Lee, I. (2020). Understanding writing feedback practices: A critical review of research on written corrective feedback in L2 writing. Journal of Second Language Writing, 49, 100703. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2020.100703

Zhang, J., & Yu, S. (2021). The impact of cultural diversity on peer feedback practices in EFL classrooms: A review of recent research. System, 96, 102409. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2021.102409

Zhao, Q. (2020). The role of ethnicity in peer feedback: A study of EFL learners in multicultural settings. International Journal of Educational Development, 77, 102234.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2020.102234

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Copyright (c) 2024 Asia Pacific Journal of Business, Humanities and Education