An Insight to Students’ Perceptions on Teacher Feedback in Second Language Writing Classes

Feedback is one of the crucial elements in language learning and teaching. In second language writing context, the effectiveness of feedback becomes even more important as it has an impact on the whole process of language learning. To increase the effectiveness of feedback, a teacher is expected to use any possible mean(s) available to suit learners’ needs and concerns (Hamp-Lyons, 2001; Hyland, 2010). In this respect, rather than framing the feedback process based on the premises put forward in other teaching situations, the study attempts to bring into view the students’ perceptions and preferences on feedback in their writing classes to be able to shape the feedback process based on a specific teaching context. The data for the study were gathered utilizing a Likert-Type questionnaire and a semi-structured interview from students (n = 457) at preparatory level studying English at a state university in Turkey. The data were analyzed quantitatively using SPSS 17.0 and qualitatively following content analysis. The results of the study are meant to bring in-depth insights to students’ opinions regarding the scope of feedback in writing classes and to provide guidance to shape the process of giving feedback.