Enhancing accuracy through model texts: long-term effects on EFL children's oral interaction

The current body of research on the use of model texts as written corrective feedback (WCF) primarily comprises one-shot studies that investigate their impact on adult and child learners. However, there is a noticeable lack of emphasis on exploring the long-term effects of this feedback method. This knowledge gap hinders our understanding of how models can enhance accuracy and support sustained language development among English as a foreign language (EFL) children. To address these gaps, the study investigated the potential effects of model texts on children's oral interaction over time, employing collaborative writing as a means to prompt learners¿ oral engagement. The study involved 60 Spanish EFL children (aged 11¿12) divided into a control group (CG), a treatment group (TG), and a long-term treatment group (LTG) who underwent two three-stage writing cycles. The TG received feedback once per cycle, and the LTG used models during both cycles and the interim period, whereas the CG self-corrected their own texts. Results revealed that model texts increased the occurrence of language-related episodes (LREs) and encouraged a focus on lexical and content aspects. Over time, exposure to models broadened the children¿s linguistic consideration, including grammar and discourse. Self-correction, on the other hand, emphasized grammar, spelling, and punctuation, highlighting the value of writing tasks in promoting languaging.