Skip to main content

Innovations in Writing Instruction in China: Metasynthesis of Qualitative Research for the Period 2005–2016

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching

Part of the book series: New Language Learning and Teaching Environments ((NLLTE))

Abstract

With academic writing now viewed as an important part of English language instruction, research studies have seen an increased emphasis on the question of how innovations in writing instruction impact students’ writing outputs. Using the method of qualitative metasynthesis, this study provides an in-depth and comprehensive analysis of 60 empirical studies published during the period of 2005–2016 that examine this question. Several constructs pertaining to the domain of innovations in writing instruction from primary, secondary, and higher education have been identified. Based on this research review, we explicate the impetus of, lessons learned from, and future directions of innovations in writing instruction in China.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 109.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 139.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Casanave, C. P. (2012). Heading in the wrong direction: A response to Porte and Richards. Journal of Second Language Writing, 21(3), 296–297.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chan, A. Y. W. (2010). Toward a taxonomy of written errors: Investigation into the written errors of Hong Kong Cantonese ESL learners. TESOL Quarterly, 44(2), 295–319.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chang, C.-F., & Kuo, C.-H. (2011). A corpus-based approach to online materials development for writing research articles. English for Specific Purposes, 30, 222–234.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Flavell, J. H. (1979). Metacognition and cognitive monitoring: A new area of cognitive developmental inquiry. American Psychologist, 34(10), 906–911.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grabe, W., & Zhang, C. (2013). Reading and writing together: A critical component of English for academic purposes teaching and learning. TESOL Journal, 4(1), 9–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guo, S., Zhang, G., & Zhai, R. (2012). An alternative way of organizing groups for peer writing evaluation. British Journal of Educational Technology, 43(2), 64–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Han, Y., & Hyland, F. (2014). Exploring learner engagement with written corrective feedback in a Chinese tertiary EFL classroom. Journal of Second Language Writing, 30, 31–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, J. R. (1996). A new framework for understanding cognition and affect in writing. In C. M. Levy & S. Ransdell (Eds.), The science of writing: Theories, methods, individual differences and applications (pp. 1–28). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hirvela, A., & Du, Q. (2013). “Why am I paraphrasing?”: Undergraduate ESL writers’ engagement with source-based academic writing and reading. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 12, 87–98.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hu, G. (2005). Using peer review with Chinese ESL student writers. Language Teaching Research, 9(3), 321–342.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hu, G. (2015). Research on plagiarism in second language writing: Where to from here? Journal of Second Language Writing, 30, 100–102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hu, G., & Lei, J. (2016). Plagiarism in English academic writing: A comparison of Chinese University teachers’ and students’ understandings and stances. System, 56, 107–118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hyland, K. (2003). Second language writing. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang, Y. (2015). An automated essay-evaluation corpus of English as a foreign language writing. British Journal of Educational Technology, 46(5), 1109–1117.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jin, L., & Cortazzi, M. (2004). English language teaching in China: A bridge to the future. In W. K. Ho & R. Y. Wong (Eds.), English language teaching in East Asia today (pp. 119–134). Singapore: Eastern Universities Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim, E. J. (2012). Providing a sounding board for second language writers. TESOL Journal, 3(1, March), 33–47.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lam, R. (2013). Two portfolio systems: EFL students’ perceptions of writing ability, text improvement, and feedback. Assessing Writing, 18(2), 132–153.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lam, R. (2015). Understanding EFL students’ development of self-regulated learning in a process-oriented writing course. TESOL Journal, 6(3), 257–553.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, I. (2008). Student reactions to teacher feedback in two Hong Kong secondary classrooms. Journal of Second Language Writing, 17, 144–164.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, I. (2011a). Issues and challenges in teaching and learning EFL writing: The case of Hong Kong. In T. Cimasko & M. Reichelt (Eds.), Foreign language writing instruction: Principles and practices (pp. 118–137). Anderson, South Carolina: Parlor Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, I. (2011b). Bringing innovation to EFL writing through a focus on assessment for learning. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 5(1), 19–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, I. (2013). Second language writing: Perspectives of a teacher educator-researcher. Journal of Second Language Writing, 22, 435–437.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, I. (2014). Revisiting teacher feedback in EFL writing from sociocultural perspectives. TESOL Quarterly, 48(1), 201–213.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, I., & Coniam, D. (2013). Introducing assessment for learning for EFL writing in an assessment of learning examination-driven system in Hong Kong. Journal of Second Language Writing, 22, 34–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, I., Mak, P., & Burns, A. (2016). EFL teachers’ attempts at feedback innovation in the writing classroom. Language Teaching Research, 20(2), 248–269.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, M.-K. (2015). Peer feedback in second language writing: Investigating junior secondary students’ perspectives on inter-feedback and intra-feedback. System, 55, 1–10.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lei, X. (2008). Exploring a sociocultural approach to writing strategy research: Mediated actions in writing activities. Journal of Second Language Writing, 17, 217–236.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, D., & Edwards, V. (2014). English language teaching and educational reform in Western China: A knowledge management perspective. System, 47, 88–101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, M. (2013a). Individual novices and collective experts: Collective scaffolding in wiki-based small group writing. System, 41, 752–769.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, M., & Kim, D. (2016). One wiki, two groups: Dynamic interactions across ESL collaborative writing tasks. Journal of Second Language Writing, 31, 25–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, M., & Zhu, W. (2013). Patterns of computer-mediated interaction in small writing groups using wikis. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 26(1), 61–82.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, Y. (2013b). Three ESL students writing a policy paper assignment: An activity-analytic perspective. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 12, 73–86.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, Y., & Casanave, C. (2012). Two first-year students’ strategies for writing from sources: Patchwriting or plagiarism? Journal of Second Language Writing, 21, 165–180.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lin, Z. (2013). Capitalising on learner agency and group work in learning writing in English as a foreign language. TESOL Journal, 4(4), 633–654.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, F., & Stapleton, P. (2014). Counterargumentation and the cultivation of critical thinking in argumentative writing: Investigating washback from a high-stakes test. System, 45, 117–128.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, L. (2005). Rhetorical education through writing instruction across cultures: A comparative analysis of select online instructional materials on argumentative writing. Journal of Second Language Writing, 14, 1–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, M., & Braine, G. (2005). Cohesive features in argumentative writing produced by Chinese undergraduates. System, 33, 623–636.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lo, J., & Hyland, F. (2007). Enhancing students’ engagement and motivation in writing: The case of primary students in Hong Kong. Journal of Second Language Writing, 16(4), 219–237.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lu, X. (2011). A corpus-based evaluation of syntactic complexity measures as indices of college-level ESL writers’ language development. TESOL Quarterly, 45(1), 36–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mak, B., & Coniam, D. (2008). Using wikis to enhance and develop writing skills among secondary school students in Hong Kong. System, 36, 437–455.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mak, S., & Lee, I. (2014). Implementing assessment for learning in L2 writing: An activity theory perspective. System, 47, 73–87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Min, H.-T. (2013). A case study of an EFL writing teacher’s belief and practice about written feedback. System, 41, 625–638.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ning, H. (2010). Adapting cooperative learning in tertiary ELT. ELT Journal, 65(1), 60–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’Brien, T. (2004). Writing in a foreign language: Teaching and learning. Language Teaching, 37, 1–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qin, J. (2009). The analysis of Toulmin elements and use of sources in Chinese University EFL argumentative writing. Doctoral dissertation. Available from ProQuest Dissertation and Theses database (Accession No. 3370640).

    Google Scholar 

  • Qin, J., & Karabacak, E. (2010). The analysis of Toulmin elements in Chinese EFL University argumentative writing. System, 38, 444–456.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rao, Z. (2007). Training in brainstorming and developing writing skills. ELT Journal, 61(2), 100–106.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, E. (2003). Diffusion of innovations. New York: The Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shao, K.-Q., Yu, W. H., & Ji, Z. M. (2013). The relationship between EFL students’ emotional intelligence and writing achievement. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 7(2), 107–124.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shen, R., Wang, M., & Pan, X. (2008). Increasing interactivity in blended classrooms through a cutting-edge mobile learning system. British Journal of Educational Technology, 39(6), 1073–1086.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shi, L. (2006). Cultural backgrounds and textual appropriation. Language Awareness, 15, 264–282.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shi, L., & Yang, L. (2014). A community of practice of teaching English writing in a Chinese University. System, 42, 133–142.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stapleton, P., & Wu, Y. (2015). Assessing the quality of arguments in students’ persuasive writing: A case study analyzing the relationship between surface structure and substance. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 17, 12–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wan, W. (2014). Constructing and developing ESL students’ beliefs about writing through metaphor: An exploratory study. Journal of Second Language Writing, 23, 53–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, C. (2013). A study of genre approach in EFL writing. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 3(11), 2128–2135.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, M., Shen, R., Novak, D., & Pan, S. (2009). The impact of mobile learning on students’ learning behaviours and performance: Report from a large blended classroom. British Journal of Educational Technology, 40(4), 673–695.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, W. (2014). Students’ perceptions of rubric-referenced peer feedback on EFL writing: A longitudinal inquiry. Assessing Writing, 19, 80–96.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Y., Harrington, M., & White, P. (2012). Detecting breakdowns in local coherence in the writing of Chinese English learners. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 28, 396–410.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Warschauer, M. (1996). Comparing face-to-face and electronic discussion in the second language classroom. CALICO Journal, 13(2), 7–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Washor, E. (2011). Thoughts on innovation. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elliot-washor/thoughts-on-innovation_b_329811.html

  • Weigle, S. C. (2002). Assessing writing. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Wu, H. (2008). A longitudinal study of metacognition in EFL writing of Chinese University students. CELEA Journal, 31(2), 87–92.

    Google Scholar 

  • Xiao, Y. (2007). Applying metacognition in EFL writing instruction in China. Reflections on English Language Teaching, 6(1), 19–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Xie, Q. (2015). “I must impress the raters!” An investigation of Chinese test-takers’ strategies to manage rater impressions. Assessing Writing, 25, 22–37.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu, X.-F. (2015). Genre approach to English writing in Chinese college teaching. US-China Foreign Language, 13(12), 859–863.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang, L., & Zhang, L. (2010). Exploring the role of reformulations and a model text in EFL students’ writing performance. Language Teaching Research, 14(4), 464–484.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang, M., Badger, R., & Yu, Z. (2006). A comparative study of peer and teacher feedback in a Chinese EFL writing class. Journal of Second Language Writing, 15, 179–200.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yu, S., & Lee, I. (2014). An analysis of Chinese EFL students’ use of first and second language in peer feedback of L2 writing. System, 47, 28–38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yu, S., & Lee, I. (2016). Exploring Chinese students’ strategy use in a cooperative peer feedback writing group. System, 58, 1–11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zeng, H.-L. (2010). Investigation and analysis of current writing teaching mode among English majors in normal Universities in China. US-China Education Review, 7(8), 22–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, C. (2012). Effect of instruction on English as a second language students’ discourse synthesis writing. Doctoral dissertation. Available from ProQuest Dissertation and Theses database (Accession No. 3370640).

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, C., Yan, X., & Liu, X. (2015). The development of EFL writing instruction and research in China: An update from the International Conference on English Language Teaching. Journal of Second Language Writing, 30, 14–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, L. (2005). A study on the English writing teaching mode in Colleges. Unpublished Master’s thesis. North China Electric Power University, China.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao, H. (2010). Investigating learners’ use and understanding of peer and teacher feedback on writing: A comparative study in a Chinese English writing classroom. Assessing Writing, 15, 3–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Appendix

Appendix

Copyright information

© 2017 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Ng, C.H., Cheung, Y.L. (2017). Innovations in Writing Instruction in China: Metasynthesis of Qualitative Research for the Period 2005–2016. In: Reinders, H., Nunan, D., Zou, B. (eds) Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching. New Language Learning and Teaching Environments. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-60092-9_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-60092-9_4

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-60091-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-60092-9

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics