A Study On The Application Of AWE In Senior High School English Writing

When adopting process writing in student-centered English writing classes,teachers are required to provide quality and timely feedback and set aside plenty of time for brainstorming,outlining,multiple drafting and editing whereas no such time can be squeezed out of a tight pre-arranged schedule particularly for writing as it is only a small part of the whole curriculum.In resolving such conflicts,AWE(automated essay evaluation)tools are introduced into English writing classes as a solution abroad and at home.In the thesis,a comprehensive literature review of the studies carried out related to AWE abroad and at home is provided with a particular emphasis on Pigaiwang(www.pigaiwang.org),a website offering service as an AWE tool specially designed for Chinese EFL learners.Based on previous researches on the reliability and validity of Pigaiwang when applied by college teachers and students,the thesis especially focuses on its validity in providing automated essay scores,offering diagnostic feedback,and assisting writing and teaching among senior high students and teachers.In the thesis,a case study is carried out using tests,questionnaires and interviews,testifying that if the instructors hold a positive attitude towards its application and students are actively involved into a writing program applying such a tool,more essay revision,essay assignments and self-conducted exercises can be made possible without increasing teachers’ workload.Consequently,students’ essay scores and language proficiency can be significantly improved.Meanwhile,based on previous researches and the latest development of Pigaiwang,the author has also explored inspiring ways for its application(such as helping build students’ portfolio and learner corpora and gathering data of EFL essay writers nationwide)so as to provide suggestive insight for EFL learners,teachers,management or policy makers in a school or a region on changes of writing lessons or courses.Results found in the thesis have helped add valuable data to the effective and efficient application of such a tool into high school English writing in and out of classes.