A Model for the Mediating Role of Knowledge Sharing in the Relationship between EFL Learners’ Online Peer-Written Feedback and Reflectivity in Writing Skill

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of ELT, Mal.C., Islamic Azad University, Malayer, Iran

2 Department of ELT, MAL.C., Islamic Azad University, Malayer, Iran

Abstract

Collaborative learning and knowledge sharing are important concepts in academia
that facilitate the process of teaching and learning to write. Educators are more adept
at providing constructive feedback due to technology integration in writing courses.
While collaborative learning has been examined in the EFL environment, the
investigation of information sharing remains nascent. The correlation between online
peer feedback and knowledge sharing remains unexamined. Considering the benefits
above, the purpose of this study is twofold. The researchers examined the relationship
between EFL learners’ online peer feedback, their knowledge sharing, and their
reflections on writing. Moreover, they investigated if knowledge sharing mediated the
relationship between EFL learners’ online peer feedback and reflection on writing.
Based on convenience sampling, 183 EFL learners were recruited from different
branches of a language school. The study used three questionnaires, including EFL
learners’ attitudes toward online peer-written feedback, learners’ knowledge sharing,
and reflection on writing. The Pearson Correlation coefficient was run to examine the
relationship between EFL learners’ online peer feedback and their knowledge sharing
and the relationship between EFL learners’ knowledge sharing and reflection on
writing. A path analysis was employed to assess the mediating role of knowledge
sharing. The study found a significant relationship between EFL learners’ online peer
feedback and their knowledge sharing and EFL learners’ knowledge sharing and
reflection on writing. It was revealed that knowledge sharing mediates the
relationship between EFL learners’ online peer feedback and reflection on writing.
Implications and further suggestions for researchers are discussed.

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