Human or machine? A study on the role of ai and teacher feedback in writing instruction for EFL learners

This study examines the impact of AI-generated feedback through ChatGPT on the writing progression of students learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL). The research took place during the Spring 2025 semester with students in the School of Foreign Languages at Necmettin Erbakan University and utilized a mixed-methods approach to record both quantitative and qualitative data to investigate the improvement of writing and student beliefs. 24 B1 level preparatory students took part in the study, receiving AI generated feedback through ChatGPT on a writing assignment. Writing performance was assessed through pre-tests and post-tests. Additionally, student reflections and interviews provided insight into their experiences with each feedback type. The results showed that while both forms of feedback contributed to students' writing development, AI-supported feedback appeared to enhance student motivation and writing quality in some cases. However, students still valued teacher feedback for its clarity, personal tone, and instructional depth. Overall, the findings suggest that ChatGPT can be an effective supplementary tool in writing instruction, especially when used alongside traditional teacher feedback.